Empanada Apple Filling Food

APPLE EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Pastry:.
• In a medium bowl, mix flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Stir in water until completely moistened. Divide pastry into 2 equal portions. Roll out each portion thinner than you would for pie crust. Cut into circles with a 3-1/2" biscuit or cookie cutter.
• Apple filling:.
• In a medium saucepan, simmer diced apples, cider, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over low heat until apples are soft. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with enough water to form a thin consistency; stir into apple mixture and cook until mixture thickens.
• Assembly and cooking:.
• Brush pastry circles with beaten egg. Place a small spoonful of apple mixture in center of each circle. Fold pastry over filling to form a half circle. Press edges together with a fork to seal.
• Heat 1 cup of cooking oil to 400 degrees in an electric skillet. Place several empanadas in hot oil at a time, cooking on one side, and turning over when golden brown. Cook second side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Sprinkle tops of empanadas with cinnamon and sugar mixture.

BAKED APPLE EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Mix butter and cream cheese together in a bowl. Stir in flour until dough comes together and forms into a ball. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
• Combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover; cook, stirring frequently, until apples are the consistency of chunky applesauce, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
• Remove dough from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divide dough into 10 pieces and roll into balls. Roll out each ball into a 3- to 4-inch circle with a rolling pin. Fill one side of the circle with apple filling. Moisten edges lightly with water. Fold dough over the filling and press edges together to seal.
• Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until dough is golden, about 15 minutes.