Empanadas and Awards

This is the second installment of Blogger Finds. Blogger Finds is my little way of honoring some of the blogs that I visit and the wonderful dishes that their authors create and share. When you see a link to another blogger’s site please visit them, they are some of the best and they have some wonderful dishes to share.

This month I tried Black Bean and Corn Empanadas from Cheryl of Cooking, Dunkin Style. Cheryl, in addition to having some great meals, has an adorable puppy that you don’t want to miss on Tuesdays. Anyway, back to the empanadas, these are so yummy and very easy to make. My husband and kids just loved them. My husband would eat them daily if I would make them. The idea of using puff pastry is so smart and such a great way to get away from frying them. Thanks again Cheryl for sharing with all of us bloggers.

The recipe as it appears on Cooking, Dunkin Style.
(Any changes made will be in red)
1/2 onion, diced1 can black beans, drained

1/2 can corn, drained (you could use a whole can I am just not a fan of corn)

2-3 breasts of chicken, poached in water, and diced into cubes I cooked mine quick in my fry pan.

2 whole canned chilies, diced 1 can

salt and pepper
1 tsp Bandia Spice
1 tsp Smoked Paprika

1 cup Mexican blend cheese I didn’t add cheese, I forgot

1/2 cup Cotija cheese crumbled (you can get this just about anywhere) Again, no cheese

2 jalapenos peppers, seeded and minced No Jalapenos, I would if the kids were older.

1 tbl onion powder I didn’t add this

1 tbl chives

1/4 cup tomato based salsa of your choice

2 tbl lime juice

2 tsp Franks Red Hot Didn’t add, too hot for the kids.

Salsa Verde (to taste)

1 package puff pastry I used two boxes.

Poach (mine-not poached) your chicken breasts, remove from pan, cool and dice, then place in a large bowl.Add in the beans, corn, salsa, and remaining ingredients. Mix well, taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper. Add salsa verde by the spoonful until it is at the level of taste you desire.

You don't want this mixture loose and moist; keep it on the dry side. You can adjust any of the above ingredients or seasonings.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and use pan spray on your baking sheet.Place your room temperature puff pastry into a floured surface; roll it out a bit until the seams integrate. Cut into 4 pieces.

You are going to fold them into triangles, so place several tablespoons of your filling in the middle of each piece.Using your finger and a small vessel of water, dip your finger and run it around the edge of the pastry.Fold over and using your fork pinch and seal the edges.

Cut several holes in the top for venting. Brush each empanada with a bit of vegetable oil (I sprayed mine) and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until golden brown and puffy.

Awards
This month I was the proud recipient of two awards. The first from Culinary Wannabe and the second from Savor the Thyme. So now I will pass these awards on to other deserving bloggers.

From Culinary Wannabe the award below. Culinary Wannabe, I was very honored to receive this award from you as you have been visiting my blog almost from beginning. Your comments and your visits are must appreciated. Thank-you!

This award is for:
"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated."

I would like to pass this award to Sara of Sara's Kitchen. Sara has also been a regular at Foodie with Little Thyme since the beginning. She always has kind words to share and has an expansive cookbook collection. She makes some very beautiful dishes too.

The next award from Savor the Thyme. Savor the Thyme, you are so creative I’m honored that you thought of me and included me in your sisterhood, Thank-you. Savor the Thyme always has some fun contest she is hosting. Right now a Peeps contest. Make sure you enter.

This is an award to share with other so… the awards goes to.
A Southern Grace
Adventures With the Woods
Ciao Chow Linda
Elra's Baking
Finding La Dolce Vita
munch+Nibble
Rtemis
Rubber Slippers in Italy
Shortbread
Two Peas in Their Pod

And the guidelines for passing this award, I think and hope?
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 people whose blogs you enjoy.

3. Link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blogs.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person who has nominated you for the award.

Thanks to all of you guys for having great blogs.