Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Guatemala with our Empanadas de Leche, a beloved traditional delicacy. These delectable pastries feature a tender, flaky crust filled with a rich, creamy mixture of sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of comforting sweetness that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Guatemala. Whether enjoyed as a snack with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after a hearty meal, these Empanadas de Leche are sure to enchant your taste buds and leave you craving for more of Guatemala's culinary delights.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup cold water

For the sweetened milk custard filling:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2- Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3- While the dough is chilling, prepare the sweetened milk custard filling. In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4- Preheat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).

5- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.

6- Place a spoonful of the sweetened milk custard filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanadas.

7- Carefully place the filled empanadas in the preheated oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.

8- Once fried, remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

9- Serve the Empanadas de Leche warm or at room temperature. Optionally, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your homemade Guatemala Empanadas de Leche, filled with delicious sweetened milk custard!

Nutritional Values :

For the dough (1 serving):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28gDietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 4g

benefits

• All-purpose flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and energy.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps regulate body fluids.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor, contains fat-soluble vitamins.
• Cold water: Hydrates the dough and helps bind the ingredients together.

For the sweetened milk custard filling (1 serving):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40gDietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 5g

benefits

• Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness, creaminess, and energy.
• Whole milk: Adds richness, provides protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the custard filling.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and aroma.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting flavor and may have health benefits like antioxidant properties.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.