S’mores Empanadas

Is there another culinary marvel as delicious, internationally recognized, and beloved as the Empanada? I don’t think so! We Latinos truly love our empanadas, in their many and wonderful variations.

I am an empanada kind of girl. I really enjoy the whole concept of empanadas. Crust and filling, it’s like having the best of everything in one bite. Having said that, I have to admit that not every empanada crust is edible, and not every filling makes me jump with delight. How often have I had an empanada where the filling was amazing but the crust was either, too soggy, too greasy, too chewy, or all three. Then there were times where the crust was wonderful, but the filling left much to be desired.

About twelve years ago, shortly after I moved to the United States, I had my first S’more and I fell in love with it. If you are not familiar with S’mores, they are a traditional campfire treat popular in the United States. A graham cracker sandwiched filled with toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate. What an idea, they are absolutely delicious!

The idea for this S’mores Empanada recipe has been rolling around in my head for a few months now. I decided to make them this week and they were incredible. The crust was perfect, crispy and buttery, just how I like my dessert empanadas, while the chocolate and marshmallow filling was rich, sweet, and gooey! It’s everything you love about S’mores in a empanada! Probably the best thing that could happen to an Empanada and S’mores lover like me.

These were a true delight. My son loves all the empanada fillings I’ve created in the kitchen to date, but this was by far his favorite!

Buen provecho!

Ingredients for the dough:
12 empanadas:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
1 egg
3 tablespoons ice cold water

S’mores Empanadas:
1 cup of chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 beaten egg

Directions

1. Place the flour and salt in the food processor.
2. Add the butter, egg and water. Process for about one minute or until a dough forms.
3. Form a ball with the dough and place in the refrigerator for about 25 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough into a large sheet and cut out round shapes for empanadas.
5. To assemble the empanadas, place mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on the center of the empanada discs.



6. Brush the edges of the empanada discs with the beaten egg to help better seal them.
7. Fold the empanada discs and seal the edges with a fork or your fingers. Brush the top of the empanadas with the rest of the beaten egg. Chill the empanadas for about 20 minutes.



8. Pre-heat the oven to 400 F and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.