Monday, September 12, 2011

Apple Empanadas


It's apple season! I look forward to this time of year like kids look forward to Christmas. And it's not just because I love apples. The beginning of apple season marks the transition into fall. I love everything about fall: the crisp air, the colors, and, most of all, the flavors.

There are a couple of pick-your-own apple orchards near me, and I decided to take advantage of their delicious, and inexpensive, stock by making these Apple Empanadas. I got the idea for these from Kelsey's Essentials. It's my favorite cooking show, because all of the recipes are very well done and very accessible. One of the reasons I was attracted to this particular recipe is its use of puff pastry. I love puff pastry because it's something so simple to use, yet it makes a big statement. It also tastes really good. Layers upon layers of butter... what's not to like?

These Apple Empanadas are essentially little pockets of puff pastry stuffed with an apple filling. Yum. I used a 4-inch round cookie cutter to make mine, but I wouldn't recommend this outside the need for the beautiful presentation. I wound up wasting a lot of puff pastry this way, and it's not cheap. Instead, I would cut squares, and, to make them look pretty, fold them over into triangles.


APPLE EMPANADAS

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch salt
1 pkg frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
1 egg, beaten
Turbinado sugar (also called raw sugar)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples and saute for about 5 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Continue cooking apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a potato masher, break down the apples. Set aside to cool.

3. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheets. Cut into circles with a 4-inch cookie cutter, or squares using a knife. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each circle (or square). Brush the edges with the beaten egg, fold over and crimp edges using a fork. Transfer empanadas to the prepared baking sheets. Brush with the egg and sprinkle on turbinado sugar. With a paring knife, make two small slits on the top of each empanada for venting.

4. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Serve warm or allow to cool on a wire rack.

This recipe is shared with Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Craft-O-Maniac, On the Menu Monday, Made by You Monday, Tuesday Talent Show, This Chick Cooks, Full Plate Thursday, It's a Keeper Thursday, Sweet Tooth Friday, Sweets for a Saturday, Sweet Indulgences Sunday, Cast Party Wednesday, Foodie Friday

15 comments:

  1. I absolutely love fall too! Can't wait to get to the orchard and pick lots of apple. These empanadas look wonderful!

    http://chicgeekery.blogspot.com/

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  2. I always make hand pies or regular pies out of apples. The use of puff pasty is something that I need to try. Thanks for the inspiring recipe.

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  3. I need to try using the puff pastry - these look so very good!

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  4. I came across your blog on Lady Behind the Curtain and I love your post! These apple empanadas look wonderful!


    I would love it if you would drop by Jane Deere and link up to Fusion Fridays with your favorite or most recent recipes, handmade crafts, diy projects, tips & tricks, and how to's! { open through Wednesday! }

    http://janedeereblog.blogspot.com

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  5. My husband makes a version of these using Pillsbury crescent sheets. I love the idea of using puff pastry instead -- I'll pass it on. Thanks!
    Lynn, visiting from These Chicks Cooked

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  6. These empanadas look great - my husband would love them! I loved Kelsey when she was on Next Food Network Star and have only been able to watch her show once since I don't have The Cooking Channel.

    PS - beautiful photo!

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  7. These look like perfect empanadas, it is a great recipe. I need these to go with all the Tex Mex food I have been making lately. Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  8. These look simple and delicious! We'd love for you to share them tomorrow at Seasonal Inspiration Saturday!

    www.crumbsandchaos.blogspot.com

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  9. I love fall, too, and apple desserts really put me in the mood for it. These look amazing! I would love to have one right now. Thanks for sharing on Sweet Indulgences Sunday.

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  10. I really LOVE empanadas, sweet or savory!

    We would love if you would come by our blog and share this recipe and any other apple recipes with our readers for Sharing Sundays.

    http://everydaysisters.blogspot.com

    Ellen

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  11. These are so cute and they look delicious! and by the way my daughter and I really really really love the name of your blog. :)

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  12. Abby, I think I want you to be my best foodie friend! Two must try recipes in a row! WOW! These are also ON THE MENU!
    Yvonne

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  13. Hmmm, yum yum. Been looking for this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

    Following your lovely blog. I am also inviting you to add your blog at Momma's Lounge ( http://olahmomma.com/momlounge ) where you meet more mom bloggers; shout away; add your giveaways and/or business links; and get featured by sharing your crafts, recipes and interesting musings. Following us back is deeply appreciated.

    Thanks and have a great day!

    http://olahmomma.com -- blogging and connecting blogging moms.
    {all moms welcome}

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  14. Mmm, reminds me of my grandma! I would love for you to link this up at the Do Something Crafty link party: http://vanessascraftynest.blogspot.com/search/label/Do%20Something%20Crafty%20Friday

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  15. Yum, yum! I love baking with apples this time of the year.

    Thanks for stopping by Sweet Tooth Friday!

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