1. Line large sieve with coffee filters or cheesecloth and place in large bowl. Add cheese; drain 30 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl; stir in pepper.

2. Meanwhile, arrange oven racks in middle and upper thirds of oven. Heat oven to 425¡F. Lightly grease two jelly-roll pans.

3. Place dough onto lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces; shape each into a ball. Roll each ball into a 7-inch circle. Divide ham evenly among circles, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Divide and spread ricotta over ham. Fold circles in half and press edges with tines of a fork. Arrange 2 calzones on each prepared pan; prick tops with fork. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, switching pans halfway through, until lightly browned. Makes 4 servings.

with smoky baked ham and ricotta cheese, are less expensive than take-out and a snap to bake. Just stock up on prepared pizza dough--readily available in the refrigerated or frozen-food sections of the supermarket.