Dairy free Empanada dough recipe

Finally looked out my thick red winter hat this morning.  The sun might be shining brightly, but it's still freezing outside.  This is the time of year to forget about fashion and wrap up warm. 

So what do you think about on brisk cold days?  Me....I can't stop thinking about the Empanada's I made yesterday.  I was walking back from the library when I had a eureka moment.  Empanada's and pies are a great way of turning left overs into another meal.  You can make them savoury or sweet.  I found the dough easier to make than short crust. 

Empanada Dough recipe - (Makes 8 small or 4 large)

2 cups Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening or dairy free butter
1 egg or egg substitute
1/3 cup cold water
1 tbsp Vinegar ( I used apple cider vinegar)

Place your flour and salt into a large bowl.
Measure out your shortening, and cut into small pieces before adding to the flour.

Using a fork, mash the shortening into the flour until well combined
(TIP: If you shake the bowl the larger pieces will come to the top) 

Make a well in the centre, add egg/or sub, vinegar and a little of the water.
Don't add all the water at once you might not need it.
Stir in with the fork, then finally bring dough together with your hands.

Roll out on to a floured surface and knead till it turns smoother ( 1-2 Min's) Cover in clingfilm or a plastic bag and rest in the fridge for 30 Min's. 

Once chilled roll into a log and cut 8 or 4 equal portions.  Roll out each individual portion into a circle, large enough to hold your filling. 

Small  - Use 1 tbsp of filling
Large - Use 2 tbsp of filling

Spoon on to one half of the circle of dough, then fold the other half over.  You can use water to help it stick down.  Then use a fork to create the crimped edge.  Cut a steam hole in the top and bake at 180 Celsius for 20 - 25 Min's. 

TOP TIP: If you don't have amercian cup measures just use a normal tea mug.  The same principle works.

Fillings idea's:

- Experiment and use any left overs you have.  The vegetable curry I made yesterday night for dinner would be perfect.

- Veggie chilli

- Tomato's and basil with normal or dairy free cheese

- Left over veg mixed with a thick gravy. 

- Make mini pocket pie desserts with apple, sugar, raisin and cinnamon or slice a banana and add some chocolate chips. 

I know what I'll be making next weekend xxx