Baci's Baking | Canastitas Caprese

Canastitas Caprese - You might not be able to say the word, but they sure do look delicious :) What's better than cheese and tomatoes? NOTHING because it's the best combination EVER :)

Canastitas Caprese

Original Recipe from Hispanic Kitchen

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Ingredients
12 empanada shells
3 small tomatoes, chopped
6 oz. mozzarella cheese, diced
10 basil leaves, chiffonade [thinly sliced]
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions
1)  Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2)  Form a ½-inch pleat by pinching together the side of the empanada shell. Fold the pleat over and press firmly against the edge of the dough. Continue to pleat and fold the empanada shell in this manner until it forms a basket shape. Place it on the baking sheet, covered with a slightly dampened dish towel. 3)  Repeat the shaping process with the rest of the empanada shells.
4)  Evenly divide half of the cheese cubes among the canastitas, followed by all of the chopped tomato and basil. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt and a grind of pepper over each canastita. Top the canastitas with the remaining cheese.
5)  Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the dough and cheese turn lightly golden brown. 6)  Allow the canastitas to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Yields 12 servings