Recipe - Banana-Cheese Empanadas

2 cup Unbleached white flour
One half teaspoon Salt
One half cup Water
Medium banana, just ripe
One fourth pound Jack or mild cheddar cheese*
2 tablespoon Butter

*cut in small thin slices.

Note: the empanadas may be sauted or baked. If you are going to bake them,
preheat oven to 375F and butter a cookie sheet.

1)Combine flour and salt in a mediumsized bowl. Make a well in the center.
2)Pour in the water and stir until reasonably well combined. Then turn out
on a floured surface and knead until smooth (5 minutes). 3)Divide the dough
into 8 equal parts, and knead each one into a small ball. Set the balls
aside. 4)Peel the banana and cut it laterally into quarters. Cut each
quarter in half lengthwise. 5)Roll out each ball of dough into a circle
approximately 5 inches in diameter. Place a couple of small cheese slices
near the center, and cut a 1/8inch piece of the banana into several small
strips on top of the cheese. Lightly brush the edges of the dough with
water, and fold the dough over the filling, as you would a turnover. Crimp
the edges securely with a fork. Set the finished empanada aside and repeat
until you have 8. 6)To Saute: for every four empanadas melt 1 TB butter in
heavy skillet and saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side..

To Bake: arrange the empanadas on the buttered cookie sheet, making
absolutely sure they are securely closed. (If cheese creeps out during
baking, it will burn.) Brush the tops lightly with melted butter, and bake
at 375F for 12 to 15 minutes.

Serve hot.

~from Still Life with Menu
Posted to MMRecipes Digest V3 #257

Date: Thu, 19 Sep 1996 19:11:02 0700

From: Julie Bertholf jewel1@ix.netcom.com