Pear and currant dessert empanadas

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 large pears , cored and diced (3 cups)
• 1/4 cup currants
• 2 tbsp brandy , (optional)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp cardamom cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans , chopped

To assemble

• 1 batch empanada dough , (2 discs)
• 1 egg , beaten
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar