Caramel Apple Empanadas

I love to cook.  You probably know that by now.  You probably guess that when I want to show someone I love them I make them something from scratch.  Earlier this week before we tried to do the Pioneer days I made homemade Banana Nut Bread, Pineapple Upside Down cake, A 2-tiered Chocolate cake....and this afternoon...because I missed Jason so much, I made Caro mio (My darling) Caramel Apple Empanadas....

And this time....I took a TON of pics.  So here is the skinny on a fat day kind of dessert.

Recipe:

The truth....Now I know I'm guilty of doubling recipes...I like 'em saucy, meaty, cheesy.....but on this one....I legitimately am telling you....it's good as it is....I mean I'm a great cook...but maybe a bit more caramel or powdered sugar wouldn't be bad...can something have too much of the yum factor?  But seriously, anything other than caramel or powdered sugar is spot on.  Trust me.

Ingredients:
2 cans of Apples for apple pie filling
2 cups of brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/4 c regular sugar
4 Tbsp Cinnamon
Black Walnuts
Regular Walnuts
Pecans
4Tbsp caramel for ice cream sundaes -----do NOT leave this out!!!------

2 eggs for egg whites (you will use this like glue)

1 package of giant square wonton wrappers for egg roles

Powdered sugar for garnish

Steps:

1. Mix all the ingredients together except for eggs and wrappers....set those aside.
2. Put onto med high heat in a skillet until bubbly and gooey and looking so good you want to eat it just like that.
3. Let simmer on med heat for 10-15 min until apples are soft...Yeah, go ahead and take a taste test, you've earned it...besides no one can look at this mix bubbling and smelling so yummy without taking a little nibble....
4. Put the spoon down...you had your taste test!
5. Now, heat a skillet full of oil until it's hot...usually around 375 degrees or so.
6. Lay out wrappers individually to be filled
7. Beat egg whites and grab a basting brush
8. Fill up the wrappers with about 2 Tbsp full of mixture and wrap it shut
9. Slide the basting brush coated in egg whites around the corners and seal it shut
10. Place it into the oil about 5-6 min per side
11. Dry on paper towel
12. Plate
13. Serve with caramel and powdered sugar on top

The mix on the stove....getting all gooey and bubbly and yummy...

So 2 Tbsp of mix inside wrappers then lay in front of you like a diamond shape and wrap up the bottom, close the sides and then roll shut and seal with egg whites.

Fry 5-6 min per side and then drain on paper towel

Plate and drizzle with powdered sugar and caramel ice cream sundae sauce...I took the platter with a cup of fresh coffee to Jason and we lay in bed watching a movie and munching away.  What better way to say welcome home?

The inside of a Cash Family style Caramel Empanada.

So after the dismal failure of pioneer days...I rallied myself to get into the kitchen and spoil the mister with some deep fried lovin'!  Jason is an amazing husband...He joined me in the kitchen, separated wrappers, whisked egg whites and worked the stove during the deep frying phase and stirred while I mixed and seasoned and then when I gave him a bite of that delicious gooey mix and some dropped on my hand, the sexiest man on the planet grasped my wrist and put his mouth to my palm and took that little morsel off the palm of my hand with his beautiful mouth.....So, while the kids are at their biological father's house....and we miss them so very very much.....Jason and I have not stopped cooking....And for any mom's, dad's...married or single or just simply so in love....get in the kitchen....  The pure joy of being in the kitchen with Caro is that he is so interested in figuring it out....cooking with me, and enjoying our quality time together that it never matters if what comes out is edible or not.

Be well, Be Blessed, Be loved....and cook ya'all-
Morgana & Jason