Fried Caramel Apple Empanadas


1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon flour
8 cups peeled & sliced tart apples*
1/2 cup water
1 jar (16 oz.) caramel ice cream topping
2 tablespoon butter
20 flour tortillas (8 inch)
Approximately 8-10 cups oil for frying
Cinnamon and sugar mix, optional
Ice cream
Sharp cheddar cheese


Stir together sugar, cinnamon, and flour; set aside.

Bring apples and water to a boil, cover, reduce heat to simmer, and cook 10 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove from heat and gently stir in sugar flour mixture, caramel topping and butter. Do not over stir.

Cool to lukewarm (may cool quickly by placing pan in ice water and occasionally stirring).

Spoon 3-4 tablespoons filling on each tortilla; fold end up and sides in, over filling, then roll like a burrito. Secure with 1-2 toothpicks. Tortillas roll easier when they are fresh, and when warmed 10-15 seconds in microwave oven (warm one tortilla at a time).

Using a deep heavy pan, pour oil to 2-inch depth; heat to 360 F. Using tongs, place 2-3 empanadas in hot oil and fry until golden brown (approximately 1-2 minutes). Drain on paper towels, remove toothpicks. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm with ice cream and slices of cheddar cheese.

*NOTES:
Tart cooking apples may include Granny Smith, Jonathan, or Golden Delicious. If uncertain of apple variety, ask the produce manager which apples hold their shape best when cooked.

Usually baked, this sweet fried Empanada makes a perfect fall dessert when served with ice cream. My nephew, Ernie Low of Beaver, Utah, gave me the recipe for this delicious treat. Makes 20 Empanadas.

Q This recipe sounds Hard
No, really simple. All my recipes are simple

Q Where do you get this cool Apple Peeler?
Any cooking store, even at department and grocery stores during harvest season

Q How do you tell a crisp tart apple?
There are thousands of apple varieties. Three varieties I recommend Granny Smith, Golden Delicious (not red delicious), Jonathan. Ask the producer manager…

Q Deep Fat Frying!?? Doesn’t that add fat!
Yes – but not as much as pie. (see nutrition labels – 7 grams compare to 13 grams) This is a treat and – Eat all treats sparingly

Q Serve with Ice Cream – Ice Cream? That’s part of 3-a-day, right?
No, actually not. Milk Yogurt Cheese is 3-a-day. Because ice cream is high in fat and sugar, enjoy it as a treat. But cheese, is an excellent source of calcium and a great snack

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