MAIN ARTICLE:
Celebrate the Flavors of Mexico
Fiery Fiesta Empanadas
Cornmeal Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 tablespoons water
Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup taco sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pitted ripe olives
- 4 teaspoons Tabascogreen jalapeño pepper sauce, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
To make crust:
- Combine flour, cornmeal and salt in medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough sticks together.
- On lightly floured surface with lightly floured rolling pin, roll out half the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into two 7-inch rounds. Repeat with remaining dough and scraps. Cover; set aside.
To make filling:
- Brown ground beef and garlic in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up beef. Stir in scallions, taco sauce, olives, 3 teaspoons Tabasco sauce, oregano, cumin and salt until well blended. Stir in cheese.
- Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease a large cookie sheet.
- Stir together egg and remaining teaspoon green jalapeño pepper sauce; set aside.
To assemble:
- Spoon about 1/2 cup filling on half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Brush border with egg mixture. Fold dough over filling, pressing out air. Crimp edges with fork or fingers to seal.
- Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.