Berry Cherry Chocolate Empanadas

Tis the season...for fabulous, fresh summer berries! While I never get tired of eating them right from the fridge or muddling them into my cocktails, sometimes you just want a little something more. Here's a fun dessert recipe that's perfect for summer nights. Cherry-infused chocolate goat cheese (pick up an extra package or two because you're going to want to eat this all by itself!) and fresh berries are an unexpected filling in these easy-to-make empanadas.

Recipe developed for Celebrity

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serving size: 4

Ingredients:
4 large empanada discos
1 cup assorted berries
1 (4.5-ounce) package Celebrity Chocolate Cherry Goat Cheese, sliced into 8 rounds
Oil for frying


Directions:
Arrange ¼ cup berries in center of each empanada disco. Top with 2 Goat Cheese rounds.
Moisten edges with water and fold over to form a half moon. With fork, press edges tightly to seal.

Heat 1 inch of oil in deep skillet. Add empanadas in 2 batches and fry until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.  Serve warm.

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If you can't find the chocolate cherry goat cheese, you can use plain goat cheese or any flavored goat cheese with a sweet flavor profile. And of course, almost any fruit will work well in this recipe. Peaches, plums, thinly sliced pears or apples are great choices.  In a pinch you can also use a fruit spread instead of fresh fruit.
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If you don't want to deal with frying because it's too messy or you want to cut back on fat and calories, these empanadas are delicious when baked instead of fried.

Baked Empanadas: Preheat over to 425°F. Arrange empanadas on lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with lightly beaten egg. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.

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If making for a crowd or a dinner party, try making them mini!

Mini Empanadas: Use 6 small empanada discos; cut Goat Cheese into 6 rounds, divide fruit evenly among discos and seal and cook as above.