Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 package of puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
-4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
-1/4 cup of granulated sugar
-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
-1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
-1/4 cup of raisins
-1/4 cup of chopped pecans
-1 egg
-1 tablespoon of water
Special Equipment Needed:
-Rolling pin
-Baking sheet
-Parchment paper
-Pastry brush
-Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet to a 12-inch square. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Place a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square.
5. Top each square with a few raisins and chopped pecans.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash.
7. Fold each pastry in half to form a triangle and press the edges together to seal.
8. Place the pastries onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 9 pastries
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
-Cream cheese: Mascarpone cheese
-Granulated sugar: Brown sugar
-Raisins: Dried cranberries
-Pecans: Walnuts
Variations:
-Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture
-Substitute the raisins and pecans with 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
Tips and Tricks:
-Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing with the other ingredients.
-If the puff pastry sheets are too cold, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling out.
-Brush the pastries with egg wash before baking to help them brown.
Storage Instructions:
Quesitos can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Quesitos can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Quesitos can be served on a platter with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
Quesitos can be garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Pairings:
Quesitos pair well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Quesitos can be served with a side of fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt.
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the pastries are not browning, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
-If the pastries are overbrowning, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for a few minutes less.
Food Safety Advice:
-Always wash your hands before handling food.
-Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food History:
Quesitos are a traditional Puerto Rican pastry that is usually filled with cream cheese and sweetened with sugar and cinnamon.
Flavor Profiles:
Quesitos have a sweet and creamy flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions:
Quesitos can be served as a dessert or a snack.
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Region: Puerto Rican