BAKED EMPANADAS RECIPES

Steps:

• To make dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the shortening till pieces are the size of small peas. Add a small amount of water to slightly moisten. Form dough into a ball. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into 4-inch circles. Lightly flour both sides of circles.
• To make fruit filling: In a saucepan combine fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat until hot, thoroughly mixing.
• To make meat filling: In a medium skillet saute the onion and green pepper in olive oil. Add tomato paste, water, and vinegar, and cook for 20 minutes. Add meat and coat thoroughly with the sauce.
• Place a large spoonful of one of the above mixtures to the center of a dough circle. Place another circle on top. Fasten the two circles together by pressing the edges with a fork. These may then be baked in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until golden brown.

Steps:

• Into 10-inch skillet, place ground beef, onion, salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until beef is browned; drain. Stir in cumin, chili powder and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low; cook 5 minutes longer.
• Heat oven to 400°F. Place silicone baking mat on cookie sheet with sides.
• On baking mat, unroll dough into 1 large rectangle; press perforations and edges to seal. Using 4-inch round cutter, cut out 8 dough rounds.
• To make each empanada, place about 2 tablespoons beef mixture onto center of each dough round. Using pastry brush (or fingers), gently brush edge of each round with beaten egg white. Fold dough round in half to cover filling; press edge together to seal. (To make decorative edge, fold dough over itself so that it forms a rope look.) Lightly brush tops of empanadas with beaten egg yolk.
• Bake 10 to 12 minute or until golden brown. Serve warm.