It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers. So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is EMPANADAS!
Empanadas are a little bit of work for a lot of fun and flavor. But so worth it! Who doesn’t like little meat or fruit pies? I think they can be just as good eaten cold for lunch, depending on the ingredients you use. I personally don’t like cold beans but a meat, onion and red pepper empanada is a nice alternative to a sandwich.
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 165 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Blog
EMPANADAS
[Makes 10]
DOUGH:
2 cups flour
½ tsp. salt
2/3 cup shortening
6 T. water (approximate)
SAVORY FILLING OPTIONS:
1 lb. browned/cooked meat (beef, chorizo, chicken, pork)
1 diced onion
1 diced green or red bell pepper
1 can black/red/pinto beans
Salt & pepper to taste
SWEET FILLING OPTIONS:
About 2½ cups fresh fruit (apples, raisins, blueberries, pitted cherries, etc.)
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 cup sugar
Make dough: Mix flour and salt. Cut in shortening until 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 the circles.
NOTE: If you don’t have a professional pastry cutter, you can use two table knives and “cut” (crisscross) the flour and shortening together.
To make savory filling: Brown beef, green or red peppers, and onions together. Drain excess fat. Mix beans into the meat mixture and cook until hot.
To make sweet filling: In a saucepan, mix fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat until hot, thoroughly mixing.
Place large spoonful of filling in the center of a round circle. Place another circle on top and pinch edges together with a fork. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.