Celebrate Fall with Flavor: How to Make Pumpkin Empanadas

Fall Fiesta: Embracing Autumn with Mexican American Flair & Pumpkin Empanadas!

The air is getting crisp, leaves are starting to turn, and there's a certain cozy feeling that only autumn can bring. But who says fall has to be all about pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking? This year, let's infuse our autumn celebrations with vibrant Mexican American traditions, starting with the most comforting and delicious treat: empanadas!

Empanadas, with their golden, flaky crusts and warm, flavorful fillings, are a staple in Mexican cuisine. They're more than just a pastry; they are a culinary symbol of home, comfort, and celebration. In Mexican American culture, empanadas carry a special weight, representing the fusion of traditions and the preservation of heritage. They are a dish passed down through generations, often a centerpiece at family gatherings, holidays, and religious celebrations. Making them is a typically a communal activity, with abuelas, mothers, and children all working together to create them.

Empanadas as Portable Meals

The word "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb empanar, which means "to wrap in bread" or "to coat with bread." The name essentially translates to "breaded," referring to how the filling is encased in a dough or pastry.

The concept of a filled pastry is found in many cultures around the world, but the term "empanada" is rooted in the culinary traditions of Spain and Portugal, particularly in the Galician region of Spain. From there, the dish and its name were carried to Latin America and the Philippines by Spanish colonizers, where it evolved and adapted to local ingredients and tastes, becoming the beloved food we know today.

Empanadas, both sweet and savory, were and still are used as easy, portable foods for travel and during migrant work in Mexican culture. Their sealed, enclosed form makes them ideal for packing and eating on the go. Their dough shell acts as a natural wrapper, protecting the filling and making them durable for transport in bags or lunch pails. This is why they've been a staple for not just migrant workers, but also for travelers and even school children throughout Mexico and Mexican American communities.

And while you can fill them with anything your heart desires – from savory picadillo to sweet guava and cheese – there's something truly special about a spiced pumpkin filling that perfectly captures the essence of fall.

Imagine this: a delicate, slightly sweet pastry encasing a rich, creamy pumpkin filling, warmly spiced with nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Each bite is a hug for your soul, a perfect blend of comfort and tradition. Here’s a glimpse into making these autumnal delights:

The Star of the Show: Spiced Pumpkin Empanadas

Spiced Pumpkin Filling: Our Fall Favorite

This classic filling is the perfect taste of fall, with warm spices that will make your home smell amazing.

Ingredients:

• 1 large can of pumpkin puree (about 29 ounces)

• ½ to 1 cup of brown sugar (adjust to your desired sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon of ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon of ground allspice

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a heavy skillet, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and a pinch of salt.

2. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently.

3. Continue to cook until the filling thickens and some of the liquid has evaporated, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before filling your empanadas. You can taste the filling and add more sugar or spices as needed.

The Dough: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Empanadas

Making your own dough is a rewarding process, but a store-bought pie crust or puff pastry can be a great shortcut, especially when little helpers are around. If you're ready to make your own, follow these steps for a classic, flaky dough.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of flour

• ½ cup of sugar

• ⅓ cup of vegetable shortening

• 1 tablespoon of baking powder

• A dash of salt

• A small saucepan of boiling water

Instructions:

1. Boil the water first.

2. While the water is boiling, mix the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar) in a large bowl.

3. Cut in the vegetable shortening with one hand until it's fully combined.

4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and slowly add the boiling water.

5. Using your hands, knead the dough until it comes together.

6. Once the dough is smooth, form it into small balls, ready for filling.

7. For larger, traditional-sized empanadas, make balls about the size of a golf ball.

8. For smaller, kid-friendly "single-bite" empanadas, make the balls about the size of a large marble.

Assembly and Baking

This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps to transform your dough and filling into golden, flaky empanadas.

1. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each dough ball into a thin circle.

   • For larger empanadas, roll the dough to about a 4-5 inch diameter.

   • For smaller, single-bite empanadas, roll them to a 2-3 inch diameter.

2. Place a spoonful of your cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause them to burst open during baking.

3. Fold the dough in half to create a half-moon shape.

4. Use the tines of a fork to press and seal the edges firmly.

5. With the same fork, gently poke the top of each empanada 3-4 times to create small vent holes for steam to escape.

6. For a beautiful golden, shiny crust, brush the tops of the empanadas with a simple egg wash. To make it, simply whisk one large egg with a tablespoon of water or milk until fully combined.

7. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on the smaller empanadas, as they will cook faster. You'll know they're ready when the crust is golden brown and flaky.

After baking, let the empanadas cool completely. If you'd like to save some for later, they can be frozen once they reach room temperature.

While spiced pumpkin is a perfect fall classic, the beauty of empanadas is their versatility. You can fill them with a wide variety of sweet fruits, and peaches and blueberries are definitely at the top of the list.

Here are some other delicious sweet fruit fillings you can use for empanadas, along with a few tips:

• Peaches: Fresh or canned peaches work wonderfully. Like the pumpkin filling, they can be cooked down with brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a little cornstarch to thicken the juices.

• Blueberries: Blueberries are fantastic for a tangy-sweet filling. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, and they pair well with a touch of lemon zest or juice to brighten the flavor.

• Apples: Apple empanadas are a classic for a reason! Diced apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) cooked with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little sugar create a flavor profile that's very similar to a mini apple pie.

• Guava: A traditional favorite, especially in many Latin American cultures. Guava paste is a common filling, often paired with a slice of cream cheese for a wonderful sweet and tangy contrast.

• Cherries: Cherry pie filling or fresh cherries cooked down with sugar make a vibrant and delicious empanada.

For any fruit filling, remember to cook the fruit down first to reduce the liquid. This prevents the empanadas from becoming too watery and ensures a perfect, non-soggy result. And as always, let the filling cool completely before you assemble your empanadas!

Making it a Family Affair: Kid-Friendly Empanada Fun!

Empanada making is an excellent activity for the whole family, and especially fun for kids! Here are some ideas to make it an engaging and delicious experience:

• Dough Rolling Masters: Little hands love to get in on the action! Let them help roll out the dough (with a little supervision, of course). You can use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for smaller empanadas, perfect for tiny appetites.

• Filling Fun: Let the kids spoon the pumpkin filling onto the dough circles. This is a great way for them to practice their fine motor skills. Just be prepared for a little delicious mess!

• Crimping Creativity: The best part! Show them how to fold the dough over the filling and then use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing in all that goodness. They can get creative with their crimping patterns!

• Savory vs. Sweet Stations: Set up different filling stations. One for the spiced pumpkin or other sweet fruites and another for a savory option like seasoned ground beef or black beans and cheese. This way, everyone gets to customize their own empanada adventure!

• Decoration Station: Before baking, let them brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden shine. For sweet empanadas, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or even some colorful sprinkles can be a fun addition (think mini fall sugar cookies!).

• Story Time while Baking: While the empanadas are baking and filling your home with an irresistible aroma, gather the family for a Fall themed story like our scary but friendly "Where El Cucuy Lurks" or share memories of your favorite autumn traditions.

The Result: A Taste of Fall and Family Togetherness

Once baked to golden perfection, these empanadas are more than just a treat; they're a celebration. A celebration of fall, of Mexican American heritage, and most importantly, of family togetherness. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply on their own. Pair them with a warm mug of spicy Mexican Hot Cocoa or a cup of cafe for the ultimate autumn experience.

So, this fall, skip the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary! Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let's create some unforgettable memories (and incredibly delicious empanadas!).