Well hello there!
My morning started off pretty busy, but kind of trickled down a bit in the afternoon. The kiddos are on spring break this week. It’s hit or miss whether they will show up to their appointments. You wouldn’t believe how many no shows we get at my work. Don’t they realize how important seeing a dietitian is. 
I came across this recipe for empanadas, while looking online on Real Simple’s site. I get their monthly magazine, which is fabulous, but they have oodles and oodles of yummy recipes online.
Two things I look for in a recipe:
1) Is it easy to make?
2) Will the leftovers reheat well?
Number 1 is probably obvious (and I talk about this all the time), but after working 10 hour days, I don’t want to spend all night cooking. I am hoping number 2 will be a yes since being the single gal that I am, I always have (and gladly welcome) leftovers.
The only big difference with this recipe was that I ended up halving it. I also skipped out on the flour.
Before and while cooking, I snacked on some popcorn.
Empanadas courtesy of real simple
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 1 pound)
- Flour for the work surface
- 1 16-ounce can refried beans (fat-free)
- 1 1-pint container fresh salsa
- 1 8-ounce package shredded Cheddar
sour cream (optional)Greek yogurt
Directions
Heat oven to 400° F. Spread 1 teaspoon of the oil on a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each into an 8-inch round on a lightly floured surface.
On half of each round, spread some of the beans, then top with 1½ tablespoons of the salsa and 2 tablespoons of the cheese.
Fold over the other half of each round, covering the filling, and press the curved edge with your thumb to seal. Lightly brush the tops of the empanadas with the remaining oil, then transfer to the baking sheet.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.
I topped mine with avocado, Greek yogurt, and tomato. Greek yogurt is seriously a great substitute for sour cream.
I love empanadas, so this dish was a hit! Seriously, you need to make this!
Give me salsa, beans, and cheese (in any form) and you won’t get any complaints from me. 
I am off to work tomorrow. I switched my regular day off (Wednesday) and took off Thursday and Friday. My original plans for taking those days fell through. I do have family coming in town so it all happened for a reason. I do need to plow through my cruise to do list before I leave NEXT WEEKEND! Woo hoo!
For those of you that have been on a cruise (or even beach vacation), what are your must haves to pack?
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How did the dough turn out? It looks sticky at first but the finished photos look fab. and flakey!
The dough turned out great! If I would have used flour, it might have been easier to roll.
They were delicious!
Thanks for stopping by!
Love empanadas too, I would never think they were easy to make, thanks for sharing.
oh those look GREAT!
I’ve never had an empanada. I guess those are similar to calzones using the pizza crust though? It’s been ages since I’ve had a calzone….
For a cruise – you just need bathing suits, cover ups, two nice dresses, and maybe 2 casual outfits. I always over pack and end up only wearing half of it. You just need real clothes for the dining rooms basically.
Thanks for the wardrobe ideas! I will make sure to throw that all in my bag. I am the worst packer also! This last trip to Boston I was so proud of myself because I wore everything and mixed and matched a bunch of things. It was the first time that had ever happened.
I am obsessed with empanada’s lately. I definitely need to make my own.
xo
Reminds me of a calzone too. I pretty much have the same two criteria. If a dish is easy to make and reheats well into the next day’s lunch or dinner, I am all over it!
Camera, sunblock, sunglasses, a good book, and swimsuit. I think I have all the essentials here.
And those empanadas look super easy to make. I might have to just try them out! Thanks for sharing it!
mmm, this recipe sounds really good. although, i’m not sure if i could fill my pizza dough with anything but italian ingredients…my mind just immediately jumps to calzone!!!
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