Beef Empanadas

For the Pastry:
3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
6 Tbs margarine OR butter
6 Tbs vegetable shortening
2 Tbs cold water

For the Filling:
1 onion; chopped
4 garlic cloves; finely chopped
1 green pepper; seeded and chopped
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
8 oz ground beef
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 Tbs flour
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano; crushed
Salt and pepper
2 chili peppers; seeded and chopped
4 Tbs canned tomatoes; crushed
2 Tbs almonds; slivered
2 Tbs raisins
2 Tbs green olives; chopped
2 Tbs fresh parsley; chopped

For the Glaze:
1 egg yolk
1 tsp water
2 tsp milk
Salt
Oil

Sift the flour with a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl, or place in a food processor and mix once or twice. Rub in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, or work in the food processor, being careful not to over-mix. Mix the liquid gradually, adding enough to bring the pastry together into a ball. (In a food processor, add the liquid through the funnel while the motor is running.) Wrap the pastry well, and chill for 20 to 30 minutes.

Brown the ground meat well, and drain away as much of the fat as possible.

Saute the onion until soft. Add to the meat. Then add the cocoa, flour, spices, oregano, and seasonings. Stir well and cook briefly before adding the chiles, tomatoes and parsley. Cook slowly for 10-15 minutes. Add the nuts and the olives, and allow to cool.

Roll out the pastry on a floured surface. Cut the dough into 4 inch rounds.

Place about 1-1/2 tablespoons of filling on the dough circle. Fold over, and press to seal. If the dough is a little dry, moisten the edges with a little warm water (with your finger) before pressing the edges together. Crimp the edges with a fork. With a toothpick, prick several holes on the top of the empanada to allow the steam to escape.

Mix the glaze ingredients together. Place empanadas on a baking sheet, and brush with the egg glaze. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

If you like, you can freeze these. To bake frozen empanadas, place the frozen pastries on a cooking sheet and brush with the egg glaze. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 425 degrees.

Makes 15 empanadas.

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