Makes 24 empanadas for 12 appetizers or 6 entrée servings

Ingredients:
2 chiles guajillos, stemmed, seeded, and deveined
2 cups masa harina for tortillas (like Maseca brand)
1- 1/2 cups water, approx.
8 oz. pkg. La Vaquita Queso Fresco, crumbled
1/4 cup small-diced onion, mixed in with Queso Fresco (optional)

Preparation:
Masa:
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Turn off the flame and place the chiles in the water to soak until soft, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard the water.
Place the rehydrated peppers in a blender with approx. 1/2 cup of water and blend well. Strain the mixture into the masa harina. Add more water if the dough seems too hard. If the dough seems too wet, add a little more masa harina. It should feel moist, but not sticky.
Divide evenly and roll between your hands into 24 balls.

Assembly:
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

On a tortilla press lined with wax paper or plastic, press the masa balls into approx. 5" rounds.

Fill each round with a heaping tablespoon of the Queso Fresco / onion mixture. Fold the round into a half circle and press down the edges to seal, making sure not to let any cheese get caught in the seal.

Slightly cook each side of the empanada on the grill. At this point, the empanadas can be placed on a tray and covered with plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

Heat about 2 cups of oil in a large high-sided pan to about 375F degrees. Carefully place the empanadas in the oil 2 – 3 at a time. Fry for about 3 – 4 minutes on each side, until golden in color. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.

Serving Suggestions / Ideas:
• Place a clean epazote leaf (or other herb of your choice) on top of the Queso Fresco in the empanada prior to sealing it.
• For a slightly sharper Queso flavor, substitute crumbled "La Vaquita" Cuajada Fresca or "La Vaquita" Queso Fresco Salvadoreño Estilo Campesino for the "La Vaquita" Queso Fresco.
• This is great party food! Line a tray with banana leaves. Place a (clay or talavera) bowl of chipotle tomatillo salsa in the middle of the tray and arrange the empanadas around it. Your guests can dab the salsa onto the empanadas. You can also place a bowl of La Vaquita Crema Salvadoreña on the tray for your guests to dab onto their empanadas. Yum!!!

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