While you're frying up some eggs and bacon, we're cooking up something else: a way to celebrate today's food holiday.

Open up a little envelope of love on May 8, also known as National Empanada Day!

From Western Europe to Latin America to Southeast Asia, these little stuffed pastries are a favorite to eat, no matter if you bake, fry or simply wrap bread around your favorite filling.

Similar to calzones, empanadas originated in Portugal and spread out across Europe. They were mentioned in a Catalan cookbook in 1520, particularly with a filling of the seafood persuasion. These "small pies," sliced into savory portable wedges, made their way to Latin America, the Philippines and even Indonesia via Spanish and Portuguese travelers. As a result, the dish is still a favorite today in all of these areas.

Try a sweet or savory filling (or both) to get your empanada fix. One thing is for sure: no matter if you like sugar or spice, this day will end with all things nice.