Empanada De Queso (Cheese Pastries)

Description: Another wonderful appetizer from Latin American Cooking - Delisious!! Almost addictive. (1 hour chill time not in cook time)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Steps:

1. Combine the flour with the salt, sugar and baking powder in a bowl.
2. Add the butter and cut into the flour with a pastry blender or 2 knives.
3. Beat the egg yolks lightly and combine with the milk.
4. Stir into the flour to form a soft dough.
5. Wrap in waxed paper and chill for 1 hour.
6. Beat the egg whites and fold in the grated cheese and chili powder.
7. Roll out the dough as thinly as possible on a floured board.
8. Cut the dough into 48 circles with a glass.
9. Place 1/3 tablespoon of the cheese mixture on half of the circles and cover with the remaining circles.
10. Moisten the edges with a little water and press together.
11. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375f degree oven for 15 minutes.