Apple Empanadas

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: Makes 12

Ingredients:

3 cups (750 mL) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) lard
2 Ontario Eggs
3/4 cup (175 mL) milk

Filling:

4 cups (1 L) coarsely diced peeled Ontario Apples (about 2 lb/1 kg)
1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (25 mL) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) grated nutmeg

Preparation Instructions:

In large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. With pastry blender, cut in lard until very fine crumbs. Whisk one egg with milk; pour over flour mixture, stirring until it clumps together. Turn out onto floured surface and knead to form soft dough. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. (Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

Filling: Stir together apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Divide dough into 12 pieces and form into balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each into 6-inch (15 cm) circle. Spoon about 1/3 cup (75 mL) filling onto half of each circle, mounding slightly. Fold over other half and press to seal. (A floured fork works well.) Arrange on 2 greased baking sheets. Beat remaining egg; lightly brush over tops. Bake in 375°F (190°) oven until golden, 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information: 1 Serving:

Protein: 5 grams
Fat: 11 grams
Carbohydrate: 40 grams
Calories: 274
Fibre: 2 grams

Image and recipe provided by Foodland Ontario. For more information and recipes ideas, visit www.foodland.gov.on.ca.

Next fall dessert idea: Pumpkin Walnut Mousse Cake