Leek, Prosciutto and Cheese Empanadas
- 3/4 cup chopped well-rinsed white and pale green part of leek (about 1/2 pound untrimmed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped sliced prosciutto or ham (about 2 thin slices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons grated Manchego cheese or mild white Cheddar cheese
- 1 sheet (about 1/2 pound) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- an egg wash made by beating together 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon water
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- In a small heavy skillet cook leek and prosciutto in oil over moderate heat, stirring, until leek is softened.
- Add water and cook, covered, over low heat until leek is soft, about 10 minutes.
- Pour off any excess water.
- Remove skillet from heat and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Let filling cool completely and stir in cheese.
- Roll out puff pastry on lightly floured surface into a 12-inch square and with a 4-inch round cutter cut out 4 rounds.
- Divide filling among rounds, mounding it in the center, and brush edges of rounds with water.
- Fold rounds in half, pressing edges together firmly, and crimp edges with tines of fork to seal well.Empanadas may be prepared up to this point 1 day in advance and dept covered and chilled.
- Arrange empanadas on a dampened baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Prick top of each empanada several times with fork (for steam vents).
- Bake empanadas in upper third of oven until puffed and golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
ham, olive oil, water, manchego cheese, sheet, egg
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/leek-prosciutto-and-cheese-empanadas-11306 (may not work)