Take Two: Empanada

It's only the second time I'm going to make empanada, recipe courtesy of my friend and former officemate, Roge. The first time I experimented was around this same time last year, in time for Mama's birthday which we usually celebrate in the cemetery, being All Saints' Day. That first attempt was a disaster, as I didn't have the proper kitchen tools (read: measuring cup). This time, being fully equipped, I know I can do better.

Better, yes. Can still improve, definitely.

I've practically perfected the filling, it tastes just the way Roge makes it. So on that aspect, I give myself a pat on the back.


However, the dough is another problem.

I was doing great measuring, mixing the ingredients and kneading the dough, except for a few wee bitty times when the dough would stick to the board, which I remedied by scattering flour all over. When it came, however, to the part where I had to cut the dough into 20 equal pieces, which is necessary if I want to have uniform-sized empanadas, and then roll them out into perfect circles, I faltered. I couldn't seem to roll the dough thinly, and into circles ~ they just roll out into shapeless, uneven masses, and continued to stick to the board and the rolling pin. My neck and shoulders were sooo sore by the time I decided to make do with whatever shapes I came up with ~ at least, I can adjust when I folded and crimped the edges. Yun nga lang, di magkakasinlaki yung finished product. :(

Another blunder was when I dropped the first pieces onto very hot oil ~ I should've cooked them in medium-heat oil only. Mabilis tuloy nag-brown yung first batch, which is not really a problem because the filling is already cooked, anyway. But I would've wanted them to turn a golden brown sana, not toasted brown...


When it came to my favorite part though ~ the taste-testing ~ I had to just give myself not just a pat on the back, but a huge round of applause as well. Tasted really good!

I'll just have to work on the aesthetics. ;-)

Archie's Do-It-Yourself Tacos

My sweetie has his own "hidden talent" in the kitchen. ;-)

He made tacos for me, a family favorite, from what I reckon from his stories. (This cousin can finish this much and that other cousin can finish more.) An aunt can even make taco shells from fried lumpia wrapper. Now I haven't seen anyone do that but from what Archie says, taco shells are hard to come by in the province so they make improvised shells from lumpia wrappers.


The only thing you need to cook for these tacos is the ground beef. For the other ingredients, except for the cheese and sauces, all you'll need is a chopping board and a good knife, and you're all set.

Archie's Do-It-Yourself Tacos

Ingredients:

Taco Shells ~ these can be bought from supermarkets or grocery stores
1/4 kg ground beef
3 medium sized tomatoes
1 small white onion
1 small cabbage
Cheddar cheese
Sweet chili sauce ~ Jufran is a recommended brand ;-)
Garlic sauce
1/4 clove garlic
1 small red onion
Salt and black pepper

Preparations:

1. Chop the red onion. Crush the garlic and remove
the skins. Saute in a pan.
2. Add the ground beef and cook well. Add salt
and pepper to taste. You can also use half a packet of ginisa
flavor mix (like Aji) that are available in groceries, or a tablespoon of
soy sauce.
3. Chop the tomatoes and white onion into small pieces. Chop
the cabbage into short strips.
4. Grate the cheese.

Directions:

1. In the bottom of each taco shell, put a generous helping of cabbage.
2. Add the cooked ground beef and the grated cheese. Layer with sweet chili sauce and garlic sauce.
3. Add the tomatoes, white onions, and more cheese.


Of course, it's up to you to add more chese or put in less onions, according to your taste. Archie says you can also use salsa, or add some chopped mushrooms on the ground beef if you like. Or, instead of ground beef, you can cook shredded chicken. Enjoy!