Empanadas de Fruta

Step 1: To make the dough: In a bowl combine the dry ingredients (flour -sugar) and then add the shortening and mix well.

Step 2: Add beaten egg to water and then add to the dry mixture. Dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Make small balls of dough and then roll them out to a circle which is 5 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.

Step 4: Place a heaping teaspoon of filling on half of the rolled dough round and then turn other half of dough over and press edges together; pinch edges between thumb and forefinger and give dough a half turn.

Step 5: Deep fry filled pastries in deep fat until golden brown; drain.

Step 6: To make the fruit filling: Place dried fruit and raisins in a bowl and then add enough water to cover and then place in a saucepan and cook over low heat until tender. Stir in sugar, spices and nuts and stir to combine. A 21 ounce can of fruit pie filling can be substituted for the fruit filling.