My BFF is visiting and we were cooking in the kitchen together when she decided to show me her new Flip video camera. We looked at each other like giddy little schoolgirls playing make-believe and it sparked an idea…Lets pretend we are filming a cooking show! This was totally impromptu and those who know me know I’d at least get a manicure, wear makeup, and have my hair done before I publish myself on YouTube, but once I saw the video I figured, hey, who really looks stunning in their own kitchen. This is real and authentic just like our cooking. If anything I hope you enjoy the recipe and the music and try not to laugh at my hand gestures and quirky expressions.

This dessert empanada recipe uses figs for a delicious flavor. You can substitute the figs for many different kinds of fruit and feel free to experiment with this recipe.

12-14 Empanadas

Ingredients
15-20 figs
2 tablespoons honey
lemon zest from half a lemon
3 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk


Directions

Wedge figs and add honey and lemon zest and set aside.
Make pastry by combining all dry ingredients and then cut in shortening and add egg and milk.
Roll out pastry and fill with fig mixture.
Place empanadas on a greased cookie sheet and brush with egg whites.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

From my kitchen to yours – Buen Provecho!