Empanadas de Picadillo

These empanadas de picadillo are made with puff pastry wrapped around a mixture of seasoned ground beef and potatoes.

These empanadas are baked, not fried, and are wonderful fresh from the oven or reheated later in the toaster oven. While they may not win a beauty contest, these were pretty much one of the most popular dishes from my kitchen.

Papas Rellenas (Cuban Potato Balls)

Cuban Papas Rellenas are mashed potatoes stuffed with seasoned meat, rolled into a ball, breaded, and then deep fried, resulting in these little packages of pop-able deliciousness.

Cuban potato balls (Papas Rellenas) are just about the most "comfort-y" of comfort foods around. Think croquettes with a Latino edge marrying Irish potato cakes that just happen to have a spicy meat filling.