The Gift of Empanadas

One gift that I always give during the holiday season is food, specifically empanadas (little fruit pies). Empanadas, especially when they’re homemade, really do carry that personal touch that makes them extra special. Empanadas are always a big hit with people. I always make two types: cherry and apple. Though I like apple the best both are asked for every holiday season. So, let’s take a look on how to incorporate homemade empanadas into your gift-giving tradition this holiday season.

Making Empanadas

There are two main ingredients in making empanadas, the dough and the filling. There’s something so satisfying about taking the time to make everything from scratch and I know the recipients can taste the love and care put into them. Let’s break down the process in making these homemade empanadas so that you can recreate the experience and perhaps even start your own tradition of gifting homemade empanadas!

The Dough…

Making your own dough gives you more control over the ingredients and allows you to customize the thickness and texture. Empanada dough can be made with all-purpose flour, salt, water, and butter.

Dough Ingredients

• 1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour (substitute pastry flour for whole grain version)
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 cup water

Dough Instructions

In a saucepan, over medium heat, add butter and water until the butter is fully melted. In another bowl, mix the salt, and flour and make a well in the center. Next pour the melted butter and water mixture into flour mixture and mix with your hands. Work in the butter mixture a little at a time until completely mixed. You want to wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours before using.

The Filling…

The filling can be made up of many fruit options. The one I like to make is apple. I love to use apple filling because of the sweet, tart and spiced flavors. It is one of my favorites!

Filling Ingredients

• 4 medium apples (granny smith or some type of tart apple)
• 1/3 pound piloncillo (Mexican sugar or use 1/3 cup packed brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Mexican cinnamon (or regular cinnamon)
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 5 tablespoons water

Filling Instructions

First, peel, core, and chop apples. Next melt butter and cinnamon over medium heat. Stir in apples, sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook stirring occasionally for 5 minutes until mixture is softened. In another bowl combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Add to the pan while stirring and continue to cook until apples are soft (not mushy) and filling is thickened. Let bubble for 1 minute. Cool. Now, ready to assemble your empanadas.

Assembling and baking your Empanadas

• Divide dough into small balls, enough to make 6- inch diameter circles. Using a rolling pin to roll out the balls into 1/4-inch thick, 6-inch diameter circles. Once your dough has been rolled out, place 3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush a small amount of egg wash lightly over one-half edge’s border. Fold over the dough to create a half-moon shape and press edges firmly to seal. I like using the back of a fork to seal them together.
• Place empanadas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the empanadas gently with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
• Bake empanadas at 400 degrees until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
• Empanadas should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Make sure to consider how long they can be safely consumed before gifting. Giving these sweet treats is a rewarding experience to not only to those that give them but also to those that get to eat them. Have a great Holiday season and happy baking!

Though we may give all throughout the year it may take front and center during the holidays. During the holiday season giving gifts allows us to show our gratitude to family, friends, and colleagues. But giving gifts that we make can show a more personal appreciation to those that receive them. Happy holidays!