Around the world, Christmas is a time of celebration and joy, filled with delicious treats that bring families together. In Mexico, one popular festive treat is Empanadas De Calabaza, also known as Pumpkin Empanadas. These scrumptious little pockets of flaky pastry filled with sweet and fragrant pumpkin filling are a delight for the taste buds and a staple on holiday tables. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a touch of Mexican holiday spirit into our homes.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2/3 cup shortening
– 4-5 tablespoons cold water
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Gradually add the cold water, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together.
– Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. **Assemble the Empanadas:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough.
– Spoon a tablespoon of the pumpkin filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
– Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanadas.
– Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
4. **Bake the Empanadas:**
– Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
– Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Dust the warm empanadas with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness.
– These Pumpkin Empanadas are best enjoyed fresh, warm out of the oven. Serve them as a festive dessert or a delightful snack with a cup of hot chocolate or a warm spiced latte.
These Empanadas De Calabaza are a wonderful addition to any Christmas celebration, bringing a taste of traditional Mexican flavors to your holiday spread. The warm spices combined with the sweet pumpkin filling nestled inside a flaky pastry crust are sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some festive music, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats that embody the spirit of Christmas in Mexico.
Immerse yourself in the joy of the holiday season with these Pumpkin Empanadas, a delightful treat that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.
