Fried Cheese Empanada
(Empanada de Queso Frita)

Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup lukewarm water
Filling:
2 ½ cups grated cheese fresh cheese or any cheese you would like
½ cup powder sugar for sprinkling
Oil for frying

Directions:
1. Mix the dry ingredients: flour, salt, sugar and baking powder.
2. Add the water little by little.
3. This can be done with a mixer or by hand.
4. Form a ball with the dough, coat and let it rest for at least an hour.
5. Make the empanadas round with a mold or a big cup. Make sure that when you roll out the dough you get a thin layer.
Filing:
1. Add a spoon of cheese filling on the center of the each empanada disc.
2. Fold the empanada discs and seal the edges, first pressing gently with your fingers; next use a fork to press down and seal; finally twist and fold the edges of the empanadas and then use the fork again for the final sealing.
3. It is advisable to let the empanadas rest for half an hour before you fry them.
4. Fry the empanadas in a deep pan, the oil has to be very hot and it has to cover at least half of the empanada. The empanadas have to be golden on each side (about a minute per side). Take off the excess oil by placing paper towels on the plate. The last touch is to sprinkle powder sugar on the top of the empanadas. Serve them warm and enjoy!