Savory Apple and Chicken Empanadas - New York Apple Association

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups (390g) Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon (14g) granulated sugar
• 6 Tablespoons (71g) vegetable shortening
• 12 Tablespoons (170g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
• 2/3 to 3/4 cup (152g to 170g) ice water
• 1 large tart or sweet-tart apple, diced
• 1 Tablespoon (14g) fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, cold
• 1/2 cup (156g) onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (198g) cooked chicken, diced
• 2/3 cup (71g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk
• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the dry ingredients.
• Add the shortening and butter; pulse until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
• Slowly add the water and pulse until a ball of dough forms.
• Remove it from the bowl, pat it into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour, or overnight.
• Toss the diced apples with the lemon juice and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Reduce heat slightly, then add the onions, pepper if using, and garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, do not burn the garlic.
• Add all the spices, salt, and pepper.
• Next add the apple mixture and cook for about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the diced chicken.
• Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
• Remove from the heat let cool.
• Once cooled, stir in grated cheddar cheese.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• After chilling the dough, place 1 scant tablespoon of filling on each circle.
• Brush a bit of egg wash on the rims.
• Fold the circles in half and crimp with a fork to seal.
• Brush the tops of the empanadas with more egg wash.
• Bake the empanadas for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
• Remove them from the oven and serve warm.
• Serve with sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.