Apple Pie Empanadas

Not many people spend their spring break cooking homemade desserts, but I'm not surprised that's what I did today.  After an hour of researching how to convert CR2 files into JPEG files, I finally got to post this delicious dessert.  This dessert was inspired by two of the best fast food restaurants out there... McDonalds and Taco Bell.  I saw a guy eating one of those microwaveable apple pies while running errands and I was thinking of how to update the idea of a hand held dessert.  In the process of making it, I realized it also reminded me of the empanadas my dad loves from Taco Bell.  Either way, it most likely has far less sugar and preservatives than both of its fast food counterparts.  Also, you can easily make them ahead of time and heat them shortly before serving. 

INGREDIENTS:

1-2 apples (use a mixture of sweet and tart e.g., Granny Smith & Gala)

1 Tbs. butter

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbs. brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Juice of 1 lemon 

pinch of salt 

1 egg (mix with a splash of water)

Wonton wrappers (find at Hillers or other specialty stores in the produce section)

Canola Oil (the amount will depend on the size of your pot) 

Cinnamon & sugar for garnishing 

1.  Begin by peeling and dicing two - three apples. I used granny smith and Gala to add both sweetness and tartness.  Once diced, melt 1-2 tbs. of butter into a hot pan.  Add in the apples and begin to saute.  

2.  Add in the sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt into the pan and allow the mixture to cook until the apples begin to turn soft.  

3.  Once the apples are cooked, set aside and allow to cool so that you can handle it without burning your fingers.  When ready, heat up 2-3 inches of Canola Oil in a pot (test with a piece of the wonton wrapper to decide whether or not it is ready - between 8-10 minutes). 

4.  Begin prepping your empanadas.  Fill each wrapper with 2-3 tbs. of the apples.  Fold over and seal with an egg wash (1 egg with a splash of water).  Do this ahead of time if you want, and then when ready, begin frying two empanadas at a time.  Cook on each side 2-3 minutes at a time or until golden brown.  Flip and finish cooking on the other side. 

5.  When finished remove the empanada and place on a paper towel.  Immediately roll into a cinnamon and sugar mixture.  Set aside and when ready, serve with ice cream and extra sauce.