Instead of raw shallots, try using the same quantity of roasted shallots. Remove the skins and slice into thirds. Unbaked empanadas can be frozen up to 3 weeks; without thawing, bake in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes. Baked empanadas can be refrigerated up to 1 day or frozen up to 2 weeks; reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

　　

Ingredients

makes 12

　　1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

　　1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds, coarsely chopped

　　1 teaspoon sugar

　　1 teaspoon table salt

　　3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

　　8 ounces cream cheese, well chilled

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　1 pound shallots, cut lengthwise into sixths

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　6 dried dates, pitted and quartered

　　2 teaspoons fresh thyme

　　1 large egg yolk

　　1 tablespoon heavy cream

　　

Step 1

In a food processor, pulse the flour, caraway seeds, sugar, and table salt several times to combine. Add the butter and cream cheese; pulse until the mixture just begins to come together. (Gently squeeze the dough; if it doesn’t hold together, add 1 tablespoon cold water.) Turn out the dough onto plastic wrap; flatten into a disk. Wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour.

　　

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots; cook, turning occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes. Season with coarse salt and pepper; remove the skillet from heat.

　　

Step 3

On a generously floured work surface, roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thick. Using a 4-inch cookie cutter, cut out 12 rounds from the dough. Brush the border of one round with water. Place 2 date quarters in the center of the round, then top with shallots, dividing evenly. Add a pinch of thyme; season with coarse salt and pepper. Bring three sides up and crimp together in the center, enclosing the filling. Pinch the edges to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Freeze 15 minutes.

　　

Step 4

In a bowl, beat together the egg yolk and cream. Brush the empanadas with egg wash. Bake until golden brown; about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group.Buy the full book from Amazon.