Empanadas

(There is supposed to be a (~) over the n, I don't know how to do that on my keyboard.)

This recipe was in the Friend awhile ago, when they featured recipes from Chile...I tried it out and it's been a favorite in our family ever since! I like the diversity of the ingredients and that, when combined, they taste so delicious!

1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
1/4 c. raisins, chopped
1/4 c. green olives, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. flour
1 3/4 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 c. grated cheese
1/3 c. cilantro, chopped
2 pkgs. (8 biscuits each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough
1 egg
1 tbsp. water

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables begin to soften. Add raisins, olives, vinegar, flour, allspice and cumin. For spicier empanadas, add cayenne pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese and cilantro.

2. Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll one biscuit into a 4-inch circle. In a small bowl, beat the egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush half the biscuit dough with egg. Scoop 1 rounded tablespoon of meat filling onto the dough. Fold the dough over and press the edges with a fork to seal the dough closed. Repeat with remaining biscuits and place empanadas on a large baking sheet. Brush them with egg and bake them for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 16 empanadas.