Ham and Cheese Pockets

(Courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 tsp. yeast (1 standard packet)
1 1/3 c. warm water, about 110 degrees F
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
Egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tbsp. milk
FILLING:
8 slices cheese or 2 c. shredded
16 thin slices deli ham or 2 c. cubed ham

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine the yeast and warm water.  Stir it around and let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy.  If the yeast doesn't dissolve or foam, your yeast is dead.  Start again with active yeast.  Add flour, sugar, olive oil and salt.  Mix by hand or with the dough hook on low speed for 1 minute.  Once all of the ingredients are mixed, slowly knead for 7 minutes by hand or with your dough hook on low-medium speed.  If your dough is too wet, add up to 1/4 c. more flour.  After kneading, your dough should be smooth and elastic.  Poke it with your finger- if it slowly bounces back, your dough is ready to rise.  If not, keep kneading.

Shape the dough into a ball and place in a large mixing bowl that has been greased lightly with olive oil.  Turn it over to coat all sides.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm environment (about 75-80 degrees F) for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Line 2 large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Once risen, punch the dough down to release the air.  Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  Using a sharp knife, slice dough in half.  Then slice each half into quarters.  You will have 8 pieces of dough,  Flatten each piece with your fingers or use a rolling pin.  You want each piece of flattened dough to be about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide.  They do not have to be perfect rectangles.  Transfer flattened dough to the baking sheets.  Place the cheese (fold cheese slices in half if needed) and ham (2 slices for each) on top of the dough on one side, then fold the other side over top.  Pinch the edges to seal the best you can.  Use a fork to crimp the edges.  Brush the tops and sides of each pocket with egg wash, then slice 2-3 slits in the tops for air vents.

Bake the pockets for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.  Make sure to rotate the baking sheet once or twice during the baking time.  Remove pockets from the oven and allow to cool on the pan until ready to handle and serve.

Make ahead tip: The pockets can be made through slicing slits in the top for air vents.  Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.  Then bake as directed.  You can also freeze the baked pockets.  After the pockets cool, wrap them individually in aluminum foil and freeze.  Microwave for 2-3 minutes on high or bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  No need to thaw them ahead of time.