Ham and Cheddar Empanadas
I am not a mom; but, always thought if I was I would be packing up the wee-ones with adorable lunches. You know the ones packed in cute lunch bags, or bento lunches. I’d tuck sweet notes alongside the lunch containers, even though, they would be mildly embarrassed. Not only would I make lunch away from home a little bit more special, I’d want it to be as healthy as a meal at home. Not just a peanut butter sandwich, though I am sure there would be days such as that, I’d want to do a little bit more.
I remember when I was a kid, I kind of liked hot-pockets. I loved how cheesy and salty they were. Not to mention how fun it was to slip them into a little paper container that browned them in the microwave. Times have changed and you will no longer find any such item in our freezer. When I get a craving for this cheesy memory, I make empanadas.
Empanadas are a lot easier to make then you think. They just take a little planning and time. One of things I love about making empanadas, is that you can get very creative with flavors, such as spicy beef with kale, or chicken and chickpeas that have been seasoned with curry, or sausage with potatoes. This is one recipe you can let your mind wonder with.
For the little ones heading back to school, instead of giving them a ham sandwich, whip up some ham and cheddar empanadas. The light and flaky dough cradles savory ham, sweet shallots and mild cheddar cheese. If your child is adventure add a little side of mustard or even a slight smear on the dough before adding the other ingredients. Not only are these empanadas great hot but they are equally as good when at room temperature, so they will still be perfect when lunch time rolls around.
Happy School Year! Are you a parent, and do you have a favorite lunch time “meaty” treat that you like to pack?
Denise believes anything can be made at home as long as you have a little patience, and time. All of her recipes are made using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her recipes have been featured on Eat Boutique, the Mushroom Channel, Saveur.com, Foodies of the World, PBS and Fine Cooking.
She, also creates the recipes on the popular food blog Chez Us. Saveur has featured Chez Us as one of 50 Food Blogs You Should Be Reading as well as one of the Sites They Love. Be sure to read more about what they are cooking up over at Chez Us.
