Rice Pudding Empanadas Recipes

Steps:

• Put the cinnamon stick, orange peel and water in a medium heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice and coconut and cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover, remove and discard cinnamon stick and orange peel. Add milk, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and salt and mix well. Increase heat to medium. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until very thick, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
• Measure about 1/2 cup of the pudding into center of each tortilla, then fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to close edges. The sticky rice filling acts as glue to keep the empanadas closed.
• In a large, heavy bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil (about 1/8-inch high) to 350 degrees (oil should be hot but not smoking). Working in small batches, fry the empanadas, turning after the first side has browned, about 3 minutes per side.
• Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar with ground cinnamon and set aside. Remove finished emapanadas to paper towels for draining, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Steps:

• Put the cinnamon stick and 2 cups water in a medium heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover and remove and discard cinnamon stick. Add milk, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and salt and mix well. Increase heat to medium. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring frequently, until very thick (pudding should hold its shape firmly in a spoon), about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. Measure a scant 1/2 cup pudding into center of each tortilla, then fold tortilla in half, pressing gently to close edges. The sticky rice filling acts as glue to keep the empanadas closed. Add enough oil to come to depth of 1/8-inch up the side of a large cast-iron skillet. Heat oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, fry empanadas until crispy and deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. While empanadas are still warm, generously sprinkle both sides of each one with cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Prepare Spanish rice according to package directions, omitting the butter or oil. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cheese, onions and olives. Stir in prepared rice. , Roll each sheet of pastry into a 12-in. circle; place on greased baking sheets. Spoon rice mixture over half of each circle; spread to within 1 in. of edges. Fold pastry over filling; crimp edges to seal. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over tops. , Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cut empanadas in half to serve.

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine rice and sugar. Cool completely. Fold in whipped cream and banana. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Spoon into serving dishes; garnish with mint if desired.