Taco Bell Style Caramel Apple Empanadas Recipes

Steps:

• Make Filling:.
• In a microwave safe container, melt 20 caramels with 1 cup apple pie filling. Stir in remaining pie filling and ground cinnamon. Allow to filling to cool completely.
• Place 2 tablespoons caramel apple filling on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the filling. Brush border with water; fold dough over filling to enclose completely. Press edges to seal, then press to crimp with hands. Chill finished pastries in freezer for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Cook:.
• Attach a deep-frying thermometer to the side of large heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven, heat 2-inches of oil, over medium-high, to 340°F.
• Line two baking sheets with paper towels. Working in batches, fry empanadas until they are light brown in color and crisp, about 5 minutes a batch, transfer empanadas to prepared towel lined baking sheets. Cool slightly before serving.
• Tip: Copycat Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanda's can be formed and chilled in the refrigerator up to one day ahead; or frozen and thawed before cooking.

Steps:

• Thaw apples in microwave at half power 6 to 7 minutes; let stand 3 minutes. Stir together apples and flour.
• Melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium skillet over medium heat; add apple mixture, brown sugar, and allspice. Cook, stirring constantly for 4 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Coarsely mash apple mixture, and set aside.
• Stir together baking mix and 1 cup whipping cream with a fork until moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead 3 to 4 times.
• Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 12 (5-inch) squares.
• Divide apple mixture into 12 servings and place 1 serving in center of each square. Fold 1 side of square over, pressing edges with a fork to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush tops evenly with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
• Bake at 400F for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.