My famous empanadas

So, if there is one recipe that folks keep asking me over and over and over again is my famous empanadas. These are originally called "pasteis de ricota" in Brazil, but here, they are baked empanadas, a much better alternative to the deep-fried companion. I love making these, because I do make the dough from scratch, and it is a relaxing task, especially on a weeknight. Let me know what you think :)


Ingredients
Dough:

- 1 1/4 cup of ricotta
- 1 cup of melted butter
- 2 cups of flour
-1/4 tablespoon of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 drops of olive oil

Filling:
- 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 egg white
- 2 cooked/smashed potatoes ( white or red)

Directions
Preheat oven to 375. Mix all the ingredients for the dough together, minus the egg yolk and olive oil. Flatten the dough and cut round shapes, either with forms or glass cups. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the filling. With a small spoon, place the filling at the center of each round shape. Fold over and close the empanadas, using a fork to seal the borders. In a bowl, mix egg yolk and drop of oil. Brush yolk/oil mixture over each empanada. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each empanada (optional: I used the Parmesan for the filling, but not for topping). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Other options for filling: Sun-dried tomatoes, pulled chicken/pork, spinach with ricotta, ham.

Share these with friends, family and loved ones. There is never leftovers of these little guys :)