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Coconut Empanadas

Name: Coconut Empanadas
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup sweetened grated coconut; 1/3 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 pinch salt; 3 egg yolks; 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional); 2 1/4 cups flour; 1 pinch salt; 2/3 cup vegetable shortening; 4-6 tablespoons ice water; 1/2 cup sugar

Prep 20 min
Total 50 min
Ingredients 12
Servings 10

Leslie Limón On her day, treat Mom to delicious and creamy coconut empanadas.

Ingredients

For the filling:

2 cups milk
1/2 cup sweetened grated coconut
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pinch salt
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)

For the empanada dough:

2 1/4 cups flour
1 pinch salt
2/3 cup vegetable shortening
4-6 tablespoons ice water
1/2 cup sugar

Directions

1

For the filling: In a medium pot, heat the milk with the grated coconut over medium-low heat until it comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool until it reaches room temperature.
2

Blend the milk and coconut mixture in a blender or food processor. Add the sugar, cornstarch, pinch of salt and egg yolks. Blend until well incorporated.
3

Pour the mixture into the pot and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the coconut extract. Let it cool.
4

For the empanada dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and pinch of salt. Incorporate the vegetable shortening. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball.
5

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6

Divide the dough into 2 parts. Extend each part of the dough on a floured surface until it's 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into 4-6-inch circles. Place 2 or 3 tablespoons of coconut filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges.
7

Place the empanadas on a lightly-greased baking sheet. Bake the empanadas for 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown.
8

Sprinkle the empanadas with sugar. Enjoy with a cup of café con leche.