This is a traditional Caribbean snack usually served with coffee or as a snack by itself because it doesn’t need anything else. This is an effortless thing to make, traditionally is just puff pastry, guava and/or cheese, and powder sugar on top, but this is my take and favorite way to make them. The crunchy but light sugar crust on top looks beautiful, but it is also delicious and adds another layer of crunchiness and sweetness to the pastelillitos. Usually, they are a little bigger, but I like to make them tiny, they look cuter, and you get to choose how many you have, although it never works in my favor because I eat more than I should.
Feel free to fit this recipe to your like; if you don’t like guava, you can always swap it for apricot, berries, or any jam you prefer; if you don’t like cheese, you can omit it or change it for another kind of cheese; or you could even make them savory with ham and cheese and flake salt on top instead of sugar. They look lovely any way you make them; they are tasty and a hit at every party. If you want to infuse them, you only need 2 drops of reduced tincture on the filling of each puff; be careful you don’t overeat because they are addictive! You could use infused oil or melted infused butter to brush them on top too. You won’t be disappointed with these babies.
Ingredients:
Puff pastry (I prefer the European style because it’s flakier and lighter, but any kind works)
Cream cheese (cold)
Guava paste
1 egg
Sugar
Method:
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Beat the egg for a minute until completely runny and with no slimy egg white residue.
Cut the guava paste into tiny pieces not bigger than pea-size.
Without removing the parchment paper from the sheet, spread the puff pastry sheet on a table or countertop. If using fresh puff pastry, use wax paper underneath so it doesn’t stick to the surface while you work it. No grease or flour is needed.
Cut with a pizza slicer approx 4 inch thick strips. Use one as a base and another to lay on top and seal them, as you would when making ravioli.
Brush the base strip with egg. Put a tiny amount of cheese and guava in the center of each strip and top with another strip, sealing the air between the fillings. Press and seal with a fork all around.
Brush the top with egg and sprinkle sugar on top. Place on a baking sheet (you can grease it, but is not necessary) and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the indications of the product you use.
The author shall not be liable for any damage or injury alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information provided here. Neither is responsible for any allergic reaction or adverse reaction to any ingredient (including infusions). No legal, nutritional, or medical advice is intended with this information, and under no circumstances should any infused product be given to children without professional medical guidance.