Pie Recipe #36 - Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas with Chili Con Queso Dip

I'm taking a break from "sweet" pies this week by making this "meat" pie. They are fairly easy to make and when dipped into the spicy cheese, offer a delicious snack, lunch, or even dinner. Ingredients: 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken, about 4-5 chicken breasts (I had cooked a whole chicken the night before and used the leftovers), 1 (8-ounce)package shredded colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend, 4 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts, water. Cheese Dip: 1 pound package Cheddar (Velveeta is recommended), 1 (16-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained (I cut up a fresh one), 1 (4-ounce)can diced green chiles, 2 teaspoons hot sauce. Instructions: Make Chili Con Queso Dip: In a medium sauce pot, slowly melt Cheddar cheese over medium/low heat. When cheese is fully melted add tomatoes, chiles, and hot sauce, stirring with spoon until combined well; cover and keep warm while making empanadas. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl using a rubber spatula, combine the chicken, colby and Monterey cheese, red pepper, jalapeno, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place a pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut out rounds, using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Re-roll dough as needed. Repeat procedure with remaining pie crust, making 12 to 15 circles total. Arrange 1 round on a clean, flat surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of crust with water. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of chicken mixture in the center of the round. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining rounds and chicken mixture. Place empanadas in deep fryer, 5-6 at a time, for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to paper towel-lined cookie sheet to absorb excess oil. Place empanadas on serving platter and serve, either with a centered bowl of the dip or with the dip poured over the tops. Brought to you by Paula Deen found on foodnetwork.com. "As easy as pie!" .