Zesty Beef and Apple Empanadas with Cool Apple Dip

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup golden raisins
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 cups apples peeled, cored and chopped
2- 15 ounce packages refrigerated ready to use pie dough, well chilled
Flour for dusting
1 egg plus 2 Tbsp. water

Preheat oven to 400° F.

In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic and jalapeno and cook for 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned. Stir in raisins, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer the meat mixture into a heat proof bowl and let cool. Once cooled, add the cilantro and apples and set aside.

On a lightly floured work surface, unroll one layer of the pie dough and roll it out to a thickness of ¼ inch. Cut the dough into circles, each with a diameter of approximately 6 inches. Place a 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough in half, enclosing the filling and producing a half-moon shaped pocket. Carefully seal the edges with a fork by pressing lightly along the sealed edge. Place the empanadas on an ungreased baking sheet.

In a small bowl, mix egg and water to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the empanadas with the wash. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve the warm empanadas with cool apple dip on the side, recipe follows.

Cool Apple Dip:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cored, un-peeled Granny Smith apples
4 Tbsp. green onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp. fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp. salt

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients and stir well to incorporate thoroughly. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 24 Empanadas and 1 ½ cups apple dip

Prep and cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 240 Total fat: 13g Saturated fat: 6 g Trans Fat: 0 g Calories from fat: 120 Protein: 6 g

Carbohydrates: 26 g Cholesterol: 30mg Dietary Fiber: less than 1g Sodium: 270mg