Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of guava paste, diced
- 1 egg, beaten
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to a 12-inch square.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Sprinkle the diced guava paste over the cream cheese mixture.
7. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, pressing to seal.
8. Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 220
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Ricotta cheese
- Guava paste: Apricot jam
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture.
- Substitute the guava paste with mango or pineapple jam.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the puff pastry sheet to an even thickness.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into 8 even pieces.
- Serve the pastelito warm or at room temperature.
Storage Instructions:
Store the pastelito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the pastelito in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pastelito on a platter with fresh fruit.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt
- Granola
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the puff pastry is too thin, it may not hold the filling.
- If the pastry is too thick, it may not cook through.
Food Safety Advice:
- Keep the pastelito refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Discard any leftovers after 3 days.
Food History:
The pastelito is a traditional Cuban pastry that is filled with sweet cream cheese and guava paste. It is often served as a dessert or snack.
Flavor Profiles:
The pastelito has a sweet and creamy flavor from the cream cheese and guava paste, with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pastelito with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
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