Empanadas--Terra Reed

Prep Time: 30 min.
Cook Time: 30 min.
Ready In: 1 hr. 30 min.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
2/3 cup shortening
6 T. water

2 1/2 cups peeled, cored and sliced apples
1 cup white sugar
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. ground nutmeg

1 yellow onion
1 green bell pepper
1 T. olive oil
8 ounces tomato paste
1/2 c. water
1 T. distilled white vinegar
1 pound lean steak, cut into 1 inch cubes

Directions:
1. To make dough: In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the shortening till pieces are the size of small peas. Add a small amount of water to slightly moisten. Form dough into a ball. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into 4-inch circles. Lightly flour both sides of circles.

2. To make fruit filling: In a saucepan combine fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat until hot, thoroughly mixing.

3. to make meat filling: In a medium skillet, saute the onion and green pepper in olive oil. Add tomato paste, water, and vinegar, and cook for 20 minutes. Add meat and coat thoroughly with the sauce.

4. Place spoonful of one of the above mixtures in the center of a dough circle. Place another circle on top. Fasten the two circles together by pressing the edges with a fork. These may be baked in a preheated 350 degree oven until golden brown.