Apple Empanadas

FILLING:
8 cups sliced apples
2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups water, divided
1 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice
3 tsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. butter

Filling:
In a saucepan, combine apples, sugar, 2 cups of the water, and apple pie spice. Bring to boil for 45 minutes until apples are soft.

Combine cornstarch with remaining 1/2 cup water and cook to thicken.

Add butter, cool before making empanadas.

DOUGH:
6 cups flour
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. apple pie spice
1 cup shortening
Warm water

Dough:
Make dough like you would for flour tortillas. Let it stand for 10 minutes.

Make balls, smaller than for tortillas, (smaller than a golf ball). Roll out to 4 inch diameter. Put filling in center, fold one side over. Press sides with fork to seal. Place on cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees until done.