Pastelitos

Description

Literally "little pies". With sweet fillings they can used as desserts and with savory fillings, either as side dishes or snacks.

Ingredients

• puff pastry sheets
• simple syrup
• sugar

Fillings

• guava marmalade
• cream cheese
• herbed cream cheese
• sweetened cream cheese
• "picadillo" style meat
• apple pie filling
• cherry pie filling

Procedures

Pastelitos

1. If using commercial puff pastry sheets, cut in thirds lengthwise, then again crosswise, resulting in 9 equal sized pieces.
2. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of the square.
3. Fold diagonally opposite corners of the puff pastry to form triangles and seal the edges with a fork. Note: the less you handle the sheets of pastry the more it will puff up later.
4. Place pastries on a cookie sheet, leaving enough room between each so they don't touch once they puff up during cooking.
5. Brush the tops with simple syrup using a pastry brush.
6. Bake at on the middle rack of the oven at 350°F for 20 – 30 minutes, or until golden and flaky.

Fillings

1. Almost anything can be used as a filling, sweet or savory.