DOUGH:

2 pkgs. active dry yeast (or equivalent)
1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F)
4 cups unsifted all-purpose flour, divided
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup oil
1 cup warm water

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Dissolve the sugar and salt in the oil and 1 cup warm water. Stir in the dissolved yeast. Put in half of the flour and mix well. Then add the remaining flour a cup at a time. Knead it adding additional flour if needed. Let rise in a warm place until double (up to an hour). Punch down the dough.

Preheat oven to 350°F. When ready to make Runzas, roll dough out to about 1/4-inch thick on lightly floured board; cut into 4-inch squares.

Place a spoonful of mixture onto half of square; fold over other half and pinch seams together securely. Continue with other squares of dough.

Place on greased cookie sheets; let stand 15 minutes.

Bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve hot or let cool completely and freeze in foil packets, then in freezer Ziploc bags. Heat up in oven, toaster oven or in microwave.

HOT DOG AND CABBAGE FILLING:

1 (1 lb.) pkg. hot dogs (meat/vegetarian), chopped
3/4 to 1 cup onion, chopped (to preference)
1 head cabbage, chopped (approx. 8 cups)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 to 1 tsp. garlic powder (to taste)
1 tsp. caraway seed
bacon bits, for seasoning (fresh and cooked; real or TVP)
cheese (optional)

In a large pot, sauté hot dogs and onions in a small amount of olive oil and/or butter. Add cabbage and spices; reduce down on low to medium heat. Stir occasionally; add small amounts of water to avoid burning cabbage (and hot dogs) as it reduces. Remove from heat and add bacon - stir well; cool mixture completely before filling Runzas.

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS:

Substitute pepperoni and cheese for hot dogs and cabbage (use oregano, basil, garlic and onions); roast beef and favorite cheese, Philly Cheesesteak fillings, Calzone fillings, or use any other loosemeat filling; Tex-Mex fillings, corned beef or pastrami with sauerkraut; Tofu, marinated etc, etc. Will have to alter spices, herbs/vegetables according to fillings.

Try different cheeses or combination of cheeses.

Be creative and enjoy!

Makes 24.

Submitted by: Linda