Fried cheese empanadas // Empanadas de viento

medium size or 25 small empanada discs - can use homemade dough (recipe below) or store bought empanada discs.

For the homemade empanada dough:

all-purpose flour

salt

baking powder

sugar – optional (if you want a hint of sweetness in the dough)

butter (4 oz), cut in 8 pieces

or 4 tablespoons of orange juice

~2/3 cup sparkling water or still water, add more if needed

For the cheese filling and cooking:

~2 ½ cups grated cheese (you can use quesillo, mozzarella, monterey jack, Oaxaca or any other cheese that melts well or a combination of your favorites)

finely chopped white onion (optional)

sugar for sprinkling

Oil for frying