Empanadas Fritas de Queso

Ingredients

• Salt 0.5 tsp
• Plain flour 3 cup
• Eggs 1
• Milk 1 cup
• Baking powder 1 tsp
• Emmental 1 cup
• Lard 2 tbsp

Method

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine the lard and milk in a saucepan, and heat until the milk is hot.
3. Pour the hot milk into the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms.
4. Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover, and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
7. Roll the dough out on a floured surface 1/4-inch thick.
8. Cut into 4-inch rounds.
9. Brush the outer edges of each circle with beaten egg, and fill with a small mound of cheese.
10. Fold each circle in half to form a half-moon; press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal.
11. Place the empanadas onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
12. Brush the tops with remaining egg.
13. Bake in preheated oven until golden-brown, about 20 minutes.
14. Alternatively, the empanadas may be deep fried in 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oil.
15. If deep frying, do not brush the outsides of the empanadas with egg.
16. Drain on paper towels.