Sausage and Pepper Calzones

For the Dough: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 cup warm water (100° to 110°) 2 ¼ teaspoons dry yeast Dash of sugar 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Filling: 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper 1 cup chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound hot-Italian sausage 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese ¾ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce ¼ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

To make the Dough: Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl; let stand 15 minutes. Gradually add 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon oil, and 3/4 teaspoon salt; stir until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) To make the Filling: Heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano and sausage; sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Spoon mixture into a bowl; cool slightly. Add mozzarella and remaining ingredients to sausage mixture; stir well. Preheat oven to 450°. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Spoon about 1/2 cup sausage mixture onto half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold dough over filling; crimp edges of dough with fingers to seal. Place calzones on a large baking sheet lined with foil and coated with cooking spray. Pierce the tops of the dough once with a fork. Lightly coat the calzones with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 14 minutes or until browned. Remove from oven. Serve hot.