Guava-licious

Okay, folks.

Especially you Cubans stuck in far away places (like Northern California or Tennessee or New Jersey =D) without pastelitos.

If you're having a craving like mine and you absolutely have to make your own...

Here is the official recipe for "Masa Real."

I totally understand a serious pastelito de guayaba "jones."

So I will give you my secret family recipe because I feel your pain...

Pastelitos de Guayaba

3/4 cup vegetable shortening (solid stuff, like Crisco)

4 Tbls. (1/2 stick) salted butter

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

3 Tbls. dry sherry

1 & 1/2 pounds guava paste, cut into 1/4 inch slices

1) Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt the shortening and butter together.

2) In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, except the sherry and guava paste.
Add the shortening and butter and, using your hands, mix well.
Add the sherry and mix until well blended.

3) Divide the dough into 2 equal parts, and place one in a 9X12 inch baking pan, patting down evenly to form a bottom crust.  Cover with the guava slices, and place the remaining dough on top, patting down evenly to form a top crust.
Bake until lightly browned, about 40 minutes.  Allow to cool at room temperature, and cut into 2- inch squares. (I know. I know. 2 inches?? who am I kidding?)

Personally, I deviate from the baking pan, and use a round cookie cutter to create circles and put the guava on one side and flip the other over it to create half-moons.

or...

move over, Rachael Ray...

I just cheat.   ;-)

Comments

[Carrie]

Guess what's on my shopping list for today? But seriously, flying to Miami just seems so much easier.

[Marilyn]

Thank you so much from Northern California =)

[Chantel]

El problema es el siguiente--in Alabama, there is no guava to be found. Luckily, I'm a-heading back home today. You know what I'm loading up on...

[Melek]

Thanks Marty!

I will try your recipe! Looks so good!! If you ever want to try a twist with the guayaba filling ... I have baked the guayaba (guava) together with a little crumble plain Feta cheese ... great combination of flavors :) ...

I wish you well :) Melek

"Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!" ~
Unknown

[Annie]

Fantastic! Thank you for the recipe. I, like Chantal, am heading to Miami this weekend and will pick some up for the flight back, but now I have a great dough recipe. My father, the Cuban baker, won't share his recipe. He claims it's because his recipe calls for large amounts to be made at once. My feelings on that - make large quantities! :)

[Amy]

OMG!! THEY ARE SOOOO GOOD!! GO MOM! (and she wonders why I showed up for breakfast today)

[Pam Pensiero]

That is great but can you come and make them????? ;-)

[La Ventanita]

You have no clue how happy you made me with your shortcut. As a grad student, don't have much time to create puff pastry from scratch; but oh my, is my husband going to get a GREAT surprise!!!!

I'll try a little of queso crema in there too....no Panaderias here in New England, at least not close by.

Thanks!!!!!!!

[Dave Sandoval]

They look delicious! But there are plenty of pastelitos in Northern New Jersey... just go to Union City and you'll see the Cuban bakeries there!!!

[Ruth Hoese]

I found out that if you leave those cans in the pantry long enough they turn into Dulce de Leche by themselves. I don't know how safe it is to use it after that long though. Here in Texas I just buy cajecta. I don't spread it on anything like crackers. A spoon works just fine!

[CAM]

I WAS READING THIS AND GOT THE CRAVING FOR GUAYABA PASTRIES. I WENT TO MY LOCAL FRY'S AND FOOD CITY AND NEITHER CARRIED THE PASTE. WHERE IN THE NORTH WEST VALLEY CAN I PURCHASE IT?? I BOUGHT AT FRY'S ONCE YEARS AGO BUT THEY NO LONGER HAVE ANY. IF SOMEONE COULD HELP IT WOULD BE AWESOME.

[Nancy]

Ohmygood! I'm in love. I'm going right out and buy the puff pastry sheets and pasta! Thanx, from a california cuban!

[Ana Maria]

Me encanta la receta! Tienes la receta para un arroz con leche?
Anamaria

[Amad]

You have no idea how elated....u're a blessing thanks for the ideas; looking forward to cook a la CRIOLLA via crock pot. :) Carinosamente!!!!