Recipe: Cuban Chicken (Pollo) Empanadas (Empanadillas)

CUBAN CHICKEN (Pollo) EMPANADAS - CHICKEN/MEAT PIES

2 Cups Cooked (leftover) Chicken, cleaned, skinned and chopped
12 oz. Jack Cheese, grated
6 oz. Taco Sauce, flavor/heat to taste
cup Onion, minced finely
teaspoon minced Parsley
teaspoon ground Black Pepper
cup Green Stuffed Salad Olives, drained, chopped
1 clove Garlic, peeled, mashed and minced
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt, to taste

Shell Recipe (alternate, use large canned refrigerator Buttermilk biscuits)
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
cup Salted Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
cup Lard
Cold Water to mix

Pre-heat oven to 350F.

In a heavy skillet, over medium high heat, add oil, onion, garlic and chicken.

Cook for 7 minutes, turn off heat, add parsley, salt, pepper and taco sauce.

Mix thoroughly and vigorously using a fork, in a mashing motion.

Cover tightly and let stand while shells are prepared.

Mix chicken mixture, olives and cheese lightly and thoroughly in large bowl.

Make shells by recipe or use canned refrigerator Buttermilk biscuits, mashed (not rolled) flat.

Put 1 to 2 Tablespoon(s) of the filling in each shell and pinch closed firmly, like a turnover.

Grease cookie sheet(s) thoroughly and generously.

Place Cuban Empanadas on cookie sheet and bake 25 minutes at 350 or until light brown.