Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that transports you to a tropical paradise? Look no further! This Guava Cheese Pastry recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, promising a homemade treat that rivals any bakery's offerings. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, and makes a wonderful quick dinner idea if you're looking for a lighter dessert.
Ingredients:
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For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 1 (12-ounce) package guava paste, finely chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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 mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in the chopped guava paste, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Assembling and Baking the Pastries:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes: Use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles or squares from the dough.
- Add filling: Place a spoonful of the guava cheese filling in the center of each dough shape.
- Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon or square shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Guava Cheese Pastries:
- For extra flaky pastries, use very cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.
- If your guava paste is very firm, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it before mixing it into the filling.
- You can dust the finished pastries with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes for your pastries.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for a warm spice flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or farmer's cheese, for a unique twist.
- Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added texture.
Nutritional Information (per pastry, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying a delicious treat by yourself. The combination of buttery pastry and sweet, tangy guava cheese filling makes these pastries a true culinary delight. They're a wonderful homemade cooking project that results in delicious dishes everyone will love. Enjoy!