Baked Turnovers

Directions

1. 1
   To make the filling, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2
   Add the onions and cook, stirring a few times, until transparent, about 5 minutes.
3. 3
   Stir in the garlic and salt and cook for 30 seconds.
4. 4
   Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef, and cook, stirring constantly, until it loses its pink color.
5. 5
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce to taste and cook for a couple of minutes.
6. 6
   Add the beef broth and cook for a few minutes, until the meat absorbs some of the liquid.
7. 7
   Sprinkle in the flour, stir, and cook until thickened.
8. 8
   The mixture should be soupy.
9. 9
   Let cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop.
10. 10
    To make the dough, put the flour, baking powder, and salt in a food processor and process for 5 seconds.
11. 11
    Add the shortening and process until the mixture looks like cornmeal.
12. 12
    With the machine running, add the warm milk through the feed tube and process until the dough almost gathers into a ball.
13. 13
    Transfer to a floured board and knead for a few seconds.
14. 14
    Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
15. 15
    Form the dough into a log and cut into 12 portions.
16. 16
    On a lightly floured board, roll each portion into a 6-inch circle.
17. 17
    Lightly brush the edge of half of the circle with the egg white mixture.
18. 18
    Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling in the center, top with a few slices of olives, a slice of egg, and a few raisins (if using).
19. 19
    Fold half of the circle over to form a half-moon and press the edges together firmly.
20. 20
    Brush the top with the egg white mixture.
21. 21
    Fold the rounded edge over 1/2 inch, making 3 separate foldsone on each side, then one on the bottomto create a trapezoid shape.
22. 22
    Brush the folds with the egg white mixture and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
23. 23
    Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
24. 24
    Preheat the oven to 375F.
25. 25
    Pierce the tops of the empanadas once with a fork and bake until lightly colored, about 20 minutes.
26. 26
    Be careful not to overbake.
27. 27
    Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
28. 28
    Variation:
29. 29
    You can make hors doeuvre-size empanadas by dividing each piece of dough into 4 smaller pieces and rolling each into a 3-inch circle, then proceeding as directed above.
30. 30
    Instead of adding sliced egg to the top of the filling, chop the egg and mix it into the filling.
31. 31
    Reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes.