Best Texas Blackberry And Strawberry Empanadas Recipes

BERRIES WITH SWEET TEQUILA CREAM

Steps:

• Combine the cream with 1/2 cup of the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a strong simmer just so tiny bubbles start to appear around the edges of the pan; don't let it boil.
• Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup sugar for about 1 minute. Whisk in the tequila.
• Now, with the mixer on medium low, very slowly drizzle in the warm cream using a metal measuring cup to scoop out small portions at a time. Drizzle it in so that the cream runs down the side of the bowl, reducing the impact of the hot cream hitting the eggs. Keep whisking!
• After all of the cream is added, turn off the mixer. Pour the mixture into the top of a double boiler (or a glass bowl fitted over a saucepan of simmering water). Cook in the double boiler over medium heat, stirring gently but constantly as the egg/cream mixture slowly thickens, from 8 to 15 minutes. Watch the mixture: if it starts to really thicken up, remove it immediately from the heat. You want this to be a thick, pourable cream rather than a thick, heavy pudding.
• Prepare a large bowl with ice. As soon as you remove the double boiler or glass bowl from the heat, set the bottom of it in the bowl of ice to stop the cooking process. Be careful not to let ice or water drip into the cream mixture. Stir in the lime zest and continue stirring to cool. If you need to use the cream right away, keep it in the ice bath. Or transfer it to a container, cover and refrigerate for several hours.
• When ready to serve, fill bowls with the berries and spoon the cream on generously.

BERRIES WITH ITALIAN CUSTARD

Steps:

• Cook's Note: For a nonalcoholic version, substitute the port with 1/4 cup white grape juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• In a medium bowl, combine the berries with 1 tablespoon port and 1 tablespoon sugar. Allow to sit and macerate while you prepare the zabaione.
• Bring a small pot of water to a boil over medium heat. In a bowl that will fit over the top of the pot, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with an electric hand mixer until pale. Place the bowl over simmering water and, with the beater running slowly, drizzle in the remaining 3 tablespoons port. Continue to beat until the mixture becomes very thick and has doubled in volume, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Divide half the berries among 4 serving glasses. Top each with a generous dollop of zabaione, garnish with the remaining berries and serve immediately.

SWEET STRAWBERRY EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut shortening into the dry ingredients quickly until mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Sprinkle with cold water and mix with a fork until dough just holds together.
• Run your hands under cold water for 20 seconds, then dry them. Gather dough with your cooled hands and form into 2 balls. Cover one and refrigerate. Flatten the second ball into a large patty.
• Flour a flat, clean work surface. Roll out dough evenly, sprinkling with flour as needed to prevent sticking, to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut dough into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or drinking glass. Dab a little water around the rim of the dough circles to make a good seal when folded over.
• Place a scant tablespoon of strawberry jam in the center of each circle. Fold in half to form a semi-circle. Pinch edges to seal. Transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet. Press edge down with the tines of a fork to seal further. Repeat with remaining circles, then with second ball of dough.
• Brush each empanada lightly with beaten egg. Cut 2 small slits into the top of each one. Sprinkle tops with decorator sugar.
• Bake in the preheated oven until crusts are golden brown, 13 to 15 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool further. Serve warm.