This recipe is for a Spanish-style appetizer that is filled with spicy flavor. It is a great make-ahead appetizer or snack that you can place in the freezer to have ready any time you have unexpected company or just when you crave a great tasting treat.
Baked Empanadas
Filling ingredients;
12 ounces of chorizo or spicy sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
½ tsp. finely chopped garlic
½ cup chopped, seeded, tomato
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves or tsp. dried oregano
Pastry filling;
1 (17 ¼ ounce) package of frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
Heat oven to 400 degrees
Cook onion, sausage, bell pepper and garlic in a 10 inch skillet over med. high heat, stirring occasionally, until sausage is browned and onion is crispy tender, about 5 or 10 minutes.
Drain well, stir in the tomato and oregano then set aside.
Roll 1 sheet of puff pastry to a 12 inch square.
Cut into 16 - 3 inch squares.
Place 1 rounded tablespoon of the filling into the center of each square.
Fold the opposite ends of the square together to form a triangle.
Pinch the edges of the pastry together and crimp with a fork to seal.
Place triangles on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining pastry sheets and filling.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
To freeze for later serving, do not bake. Follow directions above up to placing them on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer until your Empanadas are frozen. Then place them in a large zip top bag or in even portioned smaller bags for the kids.
When you are ready to eat them, just place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes.
