There is nothing better than homemade baked goods for the family but with a busy schedule, it hardly happens. I am thankful for the holiday vacation because it means I can be in the kitchen. I prepared these delicious Baked Pineapple Empanadas for guests and my family this season. Tresomega’s coconut oil gave the perfect touch in the dough, making them a true tropical treat. Thanks to Tresomega for providing awesome products to create this recipe.
Heritage
Many of you might not know, but I am half Chilean and half Mexican, thanks to my parents. Actually, the more I look into my family history, I have more Spanish and Italian blood than than the latter. This is probably the reason why I like creating and tasting foods from all over the world. Or maybe not.
When it comes to authentic cooking, many people automatically assume that because I am Mexican that I can cook all these traditional dishes when in fact, I hardly know any recipes. The few recipes I have tucked in my recipe book are ones that I have created by taste memory or a few recipes that my abuelita has shared with me.
I told my husband 2 months ago that I wanted to recreate a few baked goods recipes that I remember having in Mexico and realized that it was December already! Having come from Texas, I had quite the options of Mexican bakeries at my disposal but after moving the the Philadelphia suburbs, they are hardly any within close driving distance.
Mexican-style baked goods
Popular baked goods over the holidays are candied pumpkin and pineapple empanadas. Since we had our share of empanadas I decided to make the pineapple empanadas. For those not familiar with this word, empanadas are more similar to turnovers.
The typical fat used in a empanada dough is lard or vegetable shortening, but I decided to use Tresomega’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. This specific oil has an exotic flavor and added a lovely touch to my dough. When I shared the finished product with guests, they were quite surprised with the pineapple filling.
If it is one thing I can do for others, it is introducing them to new flavors, new foods and amazing food combinations. Thanks to Tresomega for a delicious product that is not only great for baking, but also for cooking and sauteing.
Baked Pineapple Empanadas
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For Pineapple Filling
- 4 cups of pineapple, chopped finely
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the dough
- 2 cups white flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup Tresomega Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (not melted)
- 1/3 cup hot milk
- 1 egg yolk
Egg wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
For Pineapple Filling
Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and cook on medium heat for 20 minutes, until the majority of juices are evaporated. Stir often, to prevent from sticking. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes. Prepare dough while pineapple is cooking.
For the Dough
Add the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar to a medium bowl.
Using a pastry cutter, add the coconut oil and process until the oil is combined with the flour mixture.
It should resemble wet sand.
Add the hot milk and mix well.
Finally add the egg yolk.
Blend into the rest of the dough and knead for about 3 minutes until the dough is smooth.
Allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Divide dough in 14 dough pieces.
Assembly
Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a rolling pin, roll each dough piece until 4 inches across. Add 2 Tablespoons pineapple filling. Seal the empanada and fold over dough. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
Place empanadas on baking sheet. In a small bowl, create an egg wash with 1 egg. Brush each empanada with egg wash.
Cook for 15 minutes and remove from oven.
Where to Buy Tresomega
You can buy Tresomega at Sam’s Club or on my Amazon Page.
Check out Tresomega on:
