Apricot Empanadas Easy Recipes

APRICOT EMPANADAS- EASY

Steps:

• In a small bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour and lemon zest. Shape dough into a ball. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Remove dough from the fridge 1 hour before rolling out.
• On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 12x18. Cut the dough into 6 strips (longways) and 4 cuts across so that you end up with 24 squares about 3x3 inches. Brush the edges of all the little squares with water. Spoon about a teaspoon of jam into the center of each one, fold pastry over filling forming little triangles. Seal the edges well with a fork. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
• Place on greased baking sheets (I use parchment paper instead) and bake 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
• Refrigerate leftovers (we never have leftovers).

APRICOT-FILLED EMPANADITAS

Steps:

• Place the dried apricots and 1 1/2 cups of water into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly.
• In the container of a blender or large food processor, combine the apricots with any remaining water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Cover, and puree until smooth. Set aside.
• Pour 1 cup of water into a large bowl, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let stand for about 5 minutes to dissolve the yeast. Mix in the shortening and salt. Gradually mix in the flour using a sturdy spoon until the dough is stiff enough to knead on a floured surface. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Do not set aside the dough to rise.
• Roll out the dough to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles with a large biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter. Spoon about a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the circles, and fold over. Seal the edges by pressing with your fingers.
• Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep heavy skillet over medium-high heat, or to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Fry the pastries in the hot oil, turning once, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.