Strawberry Bavarian Cream or Caramel Apple Empanada's

What are Empanadas? Definition: [em-pah-NAH-dah; em-pah-NAH-thah] Empanar is Spanish for "to bake in pastry." This Caramel Apple empanada recipe is from Better Recipes, and sounds delicious. The picture above, is from the Bavarian Cream and Strawberry empanadas that I made with a Bavarian Cream mix that you can buy at Prepared Pantry. I love the Bavarian Cream Empanadas that you can buy at Taco Time, and this cream is similar. You could also make your own, if you are so inclined. Simply drizzle with chocolate, and top with fresh strawberries. It's really yummy. It's your choice - they will both be scrumptious!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar
 1 teaspoon cinnamon
 1 tablespoon flour
 8 cups tart apples, peeled and sliced

* Granny Smith are great with the sweet caramel sauce
 1/2 cup water
 1 16 oz jar caramel ice cream topping
 2 tablespoons butter
 10 - 8 inch flour tortillas
 oil for frying
Cinnamon and sugar mix
 optional Ice cream

Directions:

Stir together sugar, cinnamon, and flour then set aside. Bring apples and water to a boil, cover, reduce heat to simmer, and cook 10 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove from heat and gently stir in sugar and flour mixture, caramel topping and butter. Do not over stir. Cool to lukewarm. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons filling on each tortilla. Fold end up and sides in, over filling, then roll like a burrito. Secure with 1-2 toothpicks. Tortillas roll easier when they are fresh, and when each one is warmed 10-15 seconds in microwave oven. Using a deep heavy pan, pour oil to 2 inch depth. Heat to 360 degrees. Using tongs, place 2-3 empanadas in hot oil and fry until golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and remove toothpicks. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm with ice cream. I do believe that you could also bake these as well. Brush the tops with melted butter, and bake in a 400 degree oven until crisp.