Beef Empanadas

Since we have a BUNCH of brisket (is that how one indicates a large quantity of brisket?), I got a little creative to use it all up!  So here is my official recipe for Beef Brisket Empanadas (with estimated measurements because I just eyeball it):

The mixture - looks good!

Beef Empanadas: 
Leftover Beef Brisket (probably about 8-10 ounces)
Cream Cheese (small amount about 2 ounces, softened)
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend (a good handfull)
Green onions (chopped, a good handful)
Serrano pepper (half a seeded one, finely chopped)
Cilantro (small handfull, chopped)
Prepared Pie Crusts (help from the store -box of 2) - ready to use according to package directions

The results.

Preheat oven to 425F.  Mix together all ingredients except the Pie Crusts.  Cut rounds of dough out ouf the pie crusts with a round instrument (a cup, a cookie cutter, whatever you have on hand that is round).  Place a rounded spoonful of the brisket mixture on top of one round of pie dough.  Top with another round of pie dough and press edges with a fork (or pinch with your fingers).  Place on a prepared cookie sheet and bake in oven for 15 minutes or until light golden brown.

Makes 8, serves 4. 

We served this with some southwest seasoned steamed zucchini.

Menu Plan Monday

This week's food preparation goals are somewhat daunting. We have a whole bunch of food on hand and I have to figure out a way to run it through the kitchen and either into our bodies or into our freezer before it goes bad. This is due in part to my husband's first foray into cooking in our "new to us" upright smoker. He is not exactly pleased with the results, but I told him he has years to perfect the recipes. The results are not bad, but I have over 3 pounds of pork shoulder and almost 10 lbs. (yes!) of brisket to work into the menu! We also have some leftover items from a party this weekend and I need to get those processed as well. Here's what's on my mind for this week:
Breakfasts:

Cereal

Oatmeal

Eggs w/cheese and sausage

Waffles/Eggs

Yogurt

Lunches:
Nachos
Pork tacos with salsa
Muffeletta on a stick
Pimiento Cheese with Bacon Sandwiches
Chicken Pesto Wraps
 Dinners:
Beef Empanadas with Zucchini
Shredded Beef and Chile Enchiladas with dressed up refried beans and corn on the cob
Mexican Cobb Salad
Indian Food Date Night
Jumbo Shrimp with Chive butter
Lake McQueenie's (a family recipe, so simple it is embarrassing!)

So, I would also like to make some pesto, blueberry muffins, dry out some tomatoes, and a batch of waffles. As always, here's hoping!

Note: this is linked to OrgJunkie's menu plan Monday meme.  Go check out other menu plans for more inspiration of what to cook this week.