Recipe: Raisin-Olive Empanaditas (using ground beef)

RAISIN-OLIVE EMPANADITAS

1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup minced onions
2 tablespoons chopped raisins
2 tablespoons chopped green olives
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1 large egg, separated
1 teaspoon water
1 batch pastry dough (enough pastry to equal about a 10-inch double crust pie)
2 teaspoons milk

Saute ground beef in large skillet until browned. Drain, and to the beef add the onions, raisins, olives, salt and pepper. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in cottage cheese and chopped hard cooked egg. Set aside.

Prepare pastry according to directions on container or make your own recipe. Roll out the dough in two large circles (for easier handling). Cut about 12 circles total, each about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

Onto each circle place 2 teaspoons of filling. Brush edge of dough with 1 egg white mixed with 1 teaspoon of water. Fold edges over to make half-moon shape and seal with fork dipped in flour. Place Empanaditas on ungreased cookie sheet.

Blend the egg yolk with the milk and brush this mixture on the tops of the Empanaditas.

Bake in preheated 375 degree F oven until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

Makes 12 servings
From: Bill,DC
Source: Jo Anne Merrill