Mini Calzone Pumpkins

Directions

1. Remove pizza dough from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut the pizza dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
4. Flatten each dough ball into a disc about 1/4 inch thick. Top with about 1 tablespoon of the marinara sauce leaving a 1/2 inch border, then 2 pepperoni slices, and 3 mozzarella pearls.
5. Using your fingers, lift the pizza dough edges and bring up together in the center pinching the dough to enclose the calzone. 
6. Cut a piece of kitchen twine, about 14 inches in length, and place it under the calzone. Wrap the twine up and around the calzone, twist at the top, give the twine a 1/4 turn, then bring the twine down and twist under the calzone. Repeat once more then tie a knot at the top. 
7. Repeat steps 4–7 for each calzone and then place each on the baking sheet. Brush the calzones with the melted butter then bake for 16–18 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted. 
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, top the calzones with Maldon salt, then allow to cool until they can be handled.
9. Place the calzones on a serving platter and top each one with a basil leaf.
10. Serve the calzones warm alongside a cup of the marinara sauce for dipping.