Guava And Cream Cheese Empanadas Recipes

Steps:

• Pulse the cream cheese, egg, sugar, lime zest and lime juice in a food processor until smooth.
• Put 1 tablespoon guava paste in the center of each empanada wrapper, then top with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal.
• Heat about 11/2 inches vegetable oil in a wide saucepan until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the empanadas until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. (Return the oil to 350 degrees F between batches.) Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
• Put 3 or 4 of the empanada wrappers on a flat work surface. Spoon 2 teaspoons of cream cheese on the bottom half of each, then spread to create a half-moon shape, leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the cream cheese and the edge. Divide the guava paste into 1-ounce sections; depending on how the paste is packaged, you can either cut it into planks or scoop out about 3 teaspoons per empanada (using 3 teaspoons rather than 1 tablespoon will make the empanadas easier to seal). Finally, top each empanada with about 2 tablespoons of grated cheese.
• Make an egg wash by whisking the egg in a small bowl with a splash of water. Brush the outer edge of each wrapper with the egg wash, then seal by folding each wrapper in half and pressing the edges together with your fingers. Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheets, then crimp the edges of each with a fork, pushing down enough to seal but not enough to go through the dough. Assemble, seal and crimp the remaining empanadas.
• Brush the top side of each empanada with the egg wash, then bake until the outsides are dark golden brown and feel crispy to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for at least 5 minutes, then serve.

Steps:

• Mix together the cream cheese and grated cheese. Stir together the guava paste and lime juice. Combine the sugar with the cinnamon. Set the three mixtures aside.
• On a lightly floured board, roll the dough out to a rectangle about 16 x 11 inches and 1/8inch thick. With the tip of a sharp paring knife, cut out six 5-inch circles, using a pot as a guide. Remove the dough scraps. Spread the cheese over half of each circle and then top with the guava, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edge. Brush the edges with some of the beaten egg and then fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Seal the edges by pressing the top to the bottom with the tines of a fork. Chill at least 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash. Sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. With a sharp knife, cut three small slits in the top of each for steam to escape. Bake 30 minutes, or until the dough is golden. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.