Las Empanadas
Basic Dough:
(Any pie pastry may also be used.)
Ingredients-
2 cups flour
1 cup lard (or shortening)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
About ¼ cup water
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the lard, butter and salt. Mix lightly with your fingertips until the dough forms pea-size pieces. 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 four both sides of circles. Fill with a spoonful of the desired filling, moisten the edges of pastry with water, fold over, and press edges firmly with a fork. Deep fry at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, until brown. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
Choice of fillings that may be used:
1. Crushed, drained pineapple mixed with grated coconut.
2. Caned apple pie or apple sauce, mixed with chopped nuts.
3. Raisins or chopped dates, mixed with chopped nuts. Bind together with a bit of jelly or syrup.
4. Jam, preserves or pumpkin pie filling.
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