The 4th graders at Highland Elementary in California culminated their study of California History with a Golden State Fair. Each of the students were assigned a food item to bring for visitors to the fair to sample. Casey received the assignment to make Empanadas and also created a cooking video demonstration. The empanadas were an instant hit with the whole family.
Meat Filling:
5 yellow onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp chile sauce
4 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp paprika
2-3 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped (optional)
raisins (optional)
Dough:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup shortening or butter
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup masa harina (corn flour...not corn meal)
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
Saute onions in butter. Cover and cook over low heat one hour. Remove lid. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook over high heat until onions are pale nut brown, stirring frequently. Brown beef in oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add cumin, paprika and chile sauce. Add onions to beef mixture and stir. Add eggs and raisins, if desired. Chill (preferably overnight to allow flavors to blend).
For dough, sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening or butter. Make well in center. Beat egg and milk together until well mixed and pour into well. Stir egg and milk mixture into dry ingredients until dough forms a ball. Divide dough and roll into circles 1/8 inch thick. Place several spoonfuls of of beef mixture in center of each dough circle. Fold dough over and crimp edges with a fork. Brush with milk. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
