Empanadas

Directions

1. PREPARE PASTRY: In large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking pwdr. Add in cut-up margarine and mix together with fork or possibly pastry blender till dough forms rice-sized bits.
2. Add in a little cool water, stir, then add in more water as needed just till dough forms a ball. Turn dough onto a piece of wax paper and press it into a ball. Chill till filling is prepared.
3. PREPARE FILLING: If using fresh fruit mix, chop fruit, prepare, and set aside in bowl.
4. For Meat filling, add in oil to frying pan along with minced onion and pressed garlic. Saute/fry on medium heat for 3-4 min, stirring frequently.
5. Add in crumbled grnd beef and cook. Add in all remaining ingredients and stir.
6. If needed, add in 1 or possibly 2 Tbsp. water. Cook together 3 min. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
7. To create EMPA ADAS: Lightly grease cookie sheet. Work with a small portion of dough at a time. Using a floured work surface, roll out dough to about 1/8" thickness. Cut dough into rounds, about 4" in diameter.
8. Put a tsp. of filling in the center of each dough round. Fold half the dough over, covering the filling and making a half-moon shape. Press a fork, dipped in flour, around dough edges to seal. Brush top with a beaten egg for glaze.
9. Bake Empanadas in a 400 F oven fro 15 to 20 min, or possibly till golden. Serve hot. To prepare ahead, cold on wire racks, then wrap airtight and freeze.
10. Makes 24 small Empanandas.