Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that captures the essence of summer? Look no further! These fresh cherry turnovers are the perfect treat – flaky, buttery pastry encasing sweet, juicy cherries. This recipe is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks seeking a delightful homemade dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and incredibly tasty dessert. It's the perfect addition to any summer gathering or a delightful end to a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and results in a flakier crust.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the pitted and halved cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Assembling and Baking the Turnovers:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Fill the turnovers: Place a spoonful of the cherry filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Egg wash: Brush the turnovers with the egg wash (beaten egg and milk).
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the turnovers cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Use very cold butter and ice water for the flakiest pastry.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
- If your cherries are particularly juicy, you might want to increase the cornstarch slightly to prevent a soggy filling.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as apple, blueberry, or raspberry.
Variations:
- Spiced Cherry Turnovers: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cherry filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Glazed Cherry Turnovers: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice) over the cooled turnovers for extra sweetness and shine.
Nutritional Information (per turnover, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these quick dinner ideas and easy recipes that result in delicious dishes for healthy meals! This recipe is one of the best recipes for homemade cooking.