EMPANADAS WITH SPICY PORK

Steps:

• Toast spices in small, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, shaking pan often, 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to scorch spices. Let cool, finely grind, and combine with garlic.
• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Bring pork to room temperature; rub with spice mixture. Roast in a heavy roasting pan until pork is very well done and falling off the bone, about 2 1/2 hours. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Trim fat and remove pork from bone. Dice into small pieces, cover, and set aside.
• Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions; saute, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add pork, 2 cups salsa verde, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, pepper, and stock. Simmer until liquid starts to thicken, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Whisk together flour, shortening, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and baking powder in bowl. Add 2 1/2 cups warm water; knead dough until smooth. Cover; let stand 10 minutes. Divide into 60 1 1/2-inch balls; cover with plastic.
• Lightly flour work surface; roll out each dough ball to 3 1/2-inch disk. Place 1 heaping tablespoon pork filling in center of each; fold dough to enclose filling and form a half moon. Seal edges by crimping with fork.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheets; generously brush with butter. Bake 2 pans (meanwhile, refrigerate others) until light brown, 20 to 25 minutes; rotate pans between racks halfway through. Let cool slightly; bake remaining pans. Serve with remaining salsa verde.