NYC, The Melting Pot

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities”  Stephen R. Covey

Last week I was in New York City, the city that never sleeps.  One of the things I love most about New York is the feeling that the entire world lives there.  You see people of different cultures and hear many languages being spoken.  A true melting pot of cultures  and flavors.

In a crazy cement jungle like Manhattan, any green space is precious.  If you are visiting NYC don't miss strolling through the High Line.  The High Line is an urban park built on and around the elevated tracks of an abandoned train line.  The High Line is now an oasis in the city.  There are several free events happening in the park, so check out their website (here) to see what's on the calendar during your visit.  Simply walking the High Line is a relaxing experience that will offer you a break from the hustling and bustling of the city.  As you exit the High Line on 16th street, you'll find yourself steps from the Chelsea Market, another gem in the meat packing district and a must stop for food lovers like me. 

The one thing I really cherish about Manhattan is that you find countless world cuisines in one city.  And because my time in Italy has deprived me of ethnic food, I decided to lunch on some empanadas from the food market of the High Line.  I love empanadas! They are savory Latin American snacks that have different versions, depending where you try them.   You find fried and baked empanadas, filled with meat, chicken, vegetarian,  ham and cheese... You can fill them with whatever pleases your palate.  And if you were waiting for the perfect recipe, here I'm sharing my Brazilian friend's empanada recipe.  The flaky dough with your filling of choice, make them perfect for breakfast, a snack or even lunch.

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 cup of water

Mix oil, melted butter and water.  Add all purpose flour to the liquid mixture until it all combines into a ball of dough.  Knead the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for one hour.  After the resting time, knead the dough a little more and roll it into a rectangle.  Cut circles according to the size of empanadas you want.  Put the filling in one half of the circle, fold and pinch both sides together with a fork.  Bake on a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees F, until golden brown.

Enjoy the empanadas, adios amigos!