Guava Pastry Puff

                                       

              Guava Pastry Puffs Recipe

                                         By: Maira Llopiz

                                    CIS 212, Bellevue University

                                                July 3, 2023

                                            

                     The origin of Pastelitos de Guayaba, Guava Pastry puffs, originate from Cuba.   Many Latin cultures have adopted this recipe in their culture, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican. Although these Guava Pastry have a blend of European techniques it has a Caribbean flavor. Why European, you ask? The French combine a more traditional puff pastry with a paste made from the pulp of the guava fruit. 

                    Guayaba fruit is not overwhelming with sweetness and can be a little tangy. To make the guava paste, the flesh of the fruit, is pressed through a sieve which separates the pulp from the seeds. The pulp is mixed with a large amount of sugar and cooked over low heat until it becomes thick. Therefore, because guava has a large amount of natural pectin, the paste cools down and forms a solid block. 

                 Due to Communism in Cuba, and food shortage; many Cubans did not have the opportunity to eat the traditional Pastelitos de Guayaba in Cuba. Therefore, they were able to have a taste of their heritage in Miami; thanks to the Cuban elders in Miami, this was a recipe that was not lost. 

               If you like sweet and tart, the Guava Pastry Puff is the way to go. Although many individuals have different ways of making these delicious pastries. I am going to introduce you to my ways, I assure you will not regret it. Try it out, if you like these delicious treats, guava pastry puffs, you can make them in the comfort of your own kitchen! Although I am not a professional baker, I have learned how to make these simple treats. Pastry Puffs are a treat for dessert, breakfast, or snack. They are easy to make, with just three ingredients! If you have a guava addiction like me, welcome to my page. 

      

Active Time:                                                                                                                 Total Time:

20 Minutes                                                                                                                1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

14 oz. Iberia Guava Paste 

(You can add cream cheese if you like)

1/2 cup to 1 cup of water

1 pack of 2 Sheets Pepperidge Farm Puff (Fully Defrosted)

1 cup to 2 cups of Powdered Sugar

Butter Cooking Spray (To spray on the cookie sheet)

Note: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

     First, spray the cookie sheet with butter spray, put a layer of your puff pastry on the cookie sheet, (you can add pieces of cream cheese if you like), and put aside until ready. Second, cut your guava paste around 2-inch cubes. Third, put the guava paste in a medium saucepan, and one and a half cups of water, let it start boiling, so do not let the guava burn. Add water as needed. Put it aside once the guava is completely melted (it is ok if some chunks did not completely melt. Fourth, now pour the guava onto the puff pastry as much as your liking and make the spread even. Fifth, place the second puff pastry on top of the guava. Sixth, cut into squares, you can make up to eight to ten pieces. Place into oven for 30 minutes, at 375 degrees. pastry puff must be golden flaky, and well-risen. Once the guava pastry is at room temperature add as much powdered sugar, as much as you like.

                                    Enjoy your homemade Guava Pastry!

           You can use any filling that you prefer. There is no right or wrong in this recipe. Drink it with a cup of coffee and you will taste the difference!