Creepy Witch Finger Pizza Rolls

Take a bite out of these creepy-but-tasty witch finger treats for Halloween!  They are an easy and fun activity to do with the kids.  As one reader put it, "they look totally gross!"  That's the point, people!

Note:  You can substitute the shredded mozzarella with string cheese.  Remember to shape your dough "fingers" thinner than you want them to turn out because the pizza dough will expand in the oven.  If you would prefer to not use food coloring, you can simply leave it out and serve "Finger Pizza Rolls" instead.  

Ingredients:
Yields 8

• Pizza dough, homemade (recipe follows) or store bought 
• 1/4 c Parmesan cheese, grated, divided 
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano, divided 
• Optional:  Green food coloring
• 1/2 c pizza sauce, plus more for topping, divided  
• 1/2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 8 whole almonds 
• Optional:  Any of your favorite pizza toppings, diced 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and 1/2 tsp of the oregano in a small bowl.  Set aside.

Optional:  Add a couple drops of green food coloring to the dough and knead it.  Use enough food coloring to get your dough to desired green.

Split the dough into 8 pieces.  Roll each dough piece into 3 inch x 4.5 inch rectangles.  Spoon 1 tbsp of the pizza sauce lengthwise down the center of each rectangle.  The sauce should be spread approximately 1 inch wide.  For each rectangle, place 1 tbsp of the shredded mozzarella cheese directly on top of the pizza sauce.  Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over each entire rectangle.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  At this point, you can place some of your favorite diced pizza toppings down the center of each rectangle.

Gather up the longer sides of each rectangle and seal them together well with your fingers.  Adding a little water to your fingers at this point helps with sealing.  Seal the shorter sides with your fingers as well.  Spend a little extra time making sure your edges are sealed well.  With each log sealed-side down, gently work the dough with your hands to shape each  piece into a "finger".  The dough will expand in the oven, so make sure your dough "fingers" are thinner than you want them to turn out.  Place a small dab of pizza sauce on one end of each "finger" and place an almond on top to make the "fingernails".  Use a toothpick or spoon to decorate each finger with pizza sauce.  You can slather it on as though it is blood or use it to to paint on "knuckles".  Sprinkle the remaining oregano on top of each "finger".

Bake on a lightly-greased baking sheet in a preheated oven for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the fingers just begin to turn golden brown.  Remove the fingers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Enjoy!  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pizza Dough Recipe:

• 2/3 c warm water
• 1 pkg active dry yeast
• 2 c all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp oil 
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder 

Directions:

Mix together the warm water and yeast and allow it to proof until bubbly.  Stir in the flour, oil, salt and garlic powder with a fork.  Continue to stir until a dough consistency forms.  Gather the dough with your hands and knead it for 2 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.  Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a dark, warm place for 1 hour.