Cuba

Experience the delightful flavors of Cuba with these scrumptious Pastelitos de Fruta. These fruit-filled pastries are a beloved Cuban treat, featuring a flaky pastry crust enveloping a sweet and tangy fruit filling. Enjoy these pastelitos as a delightful snack or dessert that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine.

PASTELITOS DE FRUTA

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Pastry Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cold water

For the Fruit Filling:

• 2 cups diced mixed fruits (guava, pineapple, mango, etc.)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

For the Pastry Dough:

1) In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt.

2) Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3) Gradually add cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

4) Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the Fruit Filling:

1) In a saucepan, combine the diced mixed fruits, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

2) Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits release their juices and the mixture thickens.

3) In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the fruit mixture and continue cooking until the filling is thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Pastelitos:

1) Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2) Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.

3) Cut the dough into circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of the cooled fruit filling onto one half of each circle.

4) Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges.

5) Place the pastelitos on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.

6) Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastelitos are golden brown and flaky.

7) Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Optional: Dust the pastelitos with powdered sugar before serving.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Serving Size: 1 pastelito

Calories: 180 kcal

Carbohydrates: 26g

Sugar: 12g

Protein: 2g

Fat: 7g

Sodium: 60mg

DURATION : 2 hours (including chilling and baking time)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings, such as guava, pineapple, mango, or even guava and cream cheese. Serve the pastelitos warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Indulge in the airy and sweet delight of Cuban Merenguitos. These delicate meringue cookies are a beloved treat in Cuba, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful sweetness. Enjoy them as a light dessert or a charming addition to your Cuban culinary experience.

MERENGUITOS

DIFFICULTY: EASY

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Merenguitos:

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

1) Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2) In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy using an electric mixer on medium speed.

3) Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.

4) Gradually add the granulated sugar, a spoonful at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.

5) Gently fold in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).

6) Transfer the meringue mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.

7) Pipe small mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

8) Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meringuitos are dry and crisp.

9) Turn off the oven and leave the meringuitos in the oven to cool completely and dry out further.

10) Once cooled and crisp, remove the meringuitos from the baking sheet and store them in an airtight container.

11) Serve the Merenguitos as a delightful and light Cuban treat.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Serving Size: 4 meringuitos

Calories: 80 kcal

Carbohydrates: 19g

Sugar: 19g

Protein: 1g

Fat: 0g

Sodium: 15mg

DURATION : 1.5 to 2 hours (including cooling time)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

For a pop of color and flavor, you can tint the meringue mixture with a small amount of food coloring before piping the meringuitos. Enjoy these airy treats with a cup of Cuban coffee or as a delightful dessert after a Cuban meal.

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Experience the delightful combination of sweet and savory with this traditional Cuban treat, Cascos de Guayaba con Queso. These guava shells filled with cream cheese offer a balance of flavors that's both indulgent and satisfying. Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or a delightful addition to your Cuban culinary journey.

CASCOS DE GUAYABA CON QUESO

DIFFICULTY: EASY

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Cascos de Guayaba con Queso:

• 8 guava shells
• 4 oz cream cheese

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

1) Using a small knife, carefully cut the guava shells in half lengthwise, creating two equal halves.

2) Fill each guava shell with cream cheese, placing a dollop of cream cheese in the center of each half.

3) Press the halves together gently, sandwiching the cream cheese between the guava shells.

4) Repeat the process for all guava shells.

5) Serve the Cascos de Guayaba con Queso as a sweet and savory treat.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Serving Size: 2 pieces

Calories: 120 kcal

Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 19g

Protein: 2g

Fat: 3g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Sodium: 35mg

Calcium: 2% DV

DURATION : 10 minutes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

For a delightful twist, you can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle honey over the filled guava shells before serving. The combination of flavors creates a memorable Cuban dessert experience.

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Indulge in the sweet and creamy flavors of Cuba with this delectable Dulce de Leche recipe. This rich caramel sauce is made by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it transforms into a luscious and velvety treat. Enjoy Dulce de Leche drizzled over desserts, spread on toast, or used as a versatile topping to enhance your favorite dishes.

DULCE DE LECHE

DIFFICULTY: EASY

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Dulce de Leche:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

1) Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.

2) Fill a large pot with water and place the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in the pot, ensuring it's fully submerged.

3) Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer.

4) Let the can simmer for 2 to 3 hours, depending on the desired thickness of the Dulce de Leche. Make sure to check the water level in the pot regularly and add more hot water as needed to keep the can submerged.

5) After the desired cooking time, carefully remove the can from the pot using tongs and let it cool completely before opening.

6) Open the can, and you'll find that the sweetened condensed milk has transformed into a smooth and caramel-colored Dulce de Leche.

7) Transfer the Dulce de Leche to a jar or container and store it in the refrigerator.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Serving Size: 2 tbsp

Calories: 120 kcal

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fat: 4g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 15mg

Sodium: 45mg

Potassium: 190mg

Sugar: 20g

Protein: 3g

Calcium: 10% DV

DURATION : 2-3 hours                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

Dulce de Leche is incredibly versatile and can be used as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, fruit, or pastries. It can also be incorporated into desserts, coffee, and cocktails for an extra touch of sweetness.

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