Sweet & Simple: Homemade Dessert Empanadas

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Imagine a delicate pastry, golden-brown and crisp, cradling a symphony of flavors. A sweet embrace of the familiar and the exotic, a culinary masterpiece that transcends borders. Welcome to the world of the Empanada Éclat, a dessert that pays homage to global culinary traditions.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins, soaked in rum or brandy
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

    • Empanadas
    Empanadas

    Image Source: allrecipes.com

    Preparation:

    Make the Pastry:

    1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
    2. Cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    3. Gradually add the ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together.
    4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    Make the Filling:

    1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
    2. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
    3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
    4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
    5. Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg, vanilla extract, raisins, and pecans.
    6. Let the filling cool completely.

    Assemble and Bake:

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
    3. Cut out circles of dough using a 4-inch round cutter.
    4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
    5. Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold over to form half-moon shapes.
    6. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal.
    7. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    8. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
    9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
    10. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Serving Ideas:

    Classic: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

  • Modern: Drizzle with chocolate sauce and top with fresh berries.
  • Global Fusion: Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cardamom.

    • The Empanada Éclat is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It weaves together the rich traditions of Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each bite is a journey through time and space, a celebration of the diverse culinary heritage that has shaped our world.