Empanadas

To make empanadas you will need:

2 cups of flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon shortening
2/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon warm water
oil for frying
mashed potatoes and chicken (optional)

First you need to mix flour, b. powder, and salt together. Then cut in the shortening with a fork. Next add the water and stir until mixture leaves the side of the bowl. Knead the mixture about 10 strokes on a lightly floured surface.

Depending on the size of empanadas you want - separate the dough into balls.

Take one ball and roll it out flat.  The thinner you roll it out, the easier it will cook.

Then add some mashed potatoes. Making a bowl shape.

Add the chicken to the center of the potatoes.

Then fold in half trying to have the potato edges overlap. (optional)

Press the sides together around the filling.

You can cut the edges with a butter knife about a finger-width from the filling. (or more if you like more crust)

Then fold sections of the crust to make a better seal or the fillings will come out as it cooks.

Next cook in oil at about 350 degrees.

This can be done in oil in a frying pan, but it is harder to get the right temperature for cooking. If it is too hot then the outside will be done or burnt and the inner crust will not be cooked. It it is not hot enough then the oil will seep through the dough too much and it will taste bad.

Then take the empanadas out, let cool, and enjoy!

You can use any filling you like, even pie fillings to make a desert. Just remember that if the filling is too liquidy, it will be harder to fold and get a good seal.