Issue 026: Sweet Dreams!

Hey Q-Crew!

There’s just no way we could end Sweet & Sticky month without dessert! This issue is for those that always want a little something sweet after dinner. But beware, these recipes are addictive. So much so that I’ve had to add the pastelitos to my home bakery menu. This week we’re making Guava and Cheese Pastelitos and Jamaican Rum Raisin Bread Pudding with Condensed Milk Sauce!

This month’s theme was Sweet & Sticky! Who doesn’t like to indulge their sweet tooth every once in a while? We deserve a little treat. But just because we want something sweet doesn’t mean we have to stick to just desserts. We’re exploring appetizers, mains, AND desserts this month to satisfy our craving! Next month’s theme is Yardie Choice!

Guava and Cheese Pastelitos

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 package puff pastry sheets
  • 4 oz guava paste
  • 1 tsp ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground Cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 4 ounces room temperature plain cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg beaten with 2 tbsp of water.

    Step 1: Cut the guava paste into small cubes and place in a microwave safe bowl with butter and water.

    Step 2: Microwave in 45 second increments, stirring in between, until the guava paste is melted into a jam-like consistency.

    Step 3: Mix in the cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, and set aside to cool.

    Step 4: Mix the cream cheese with the vanilla and brown sugar until fully combined.

    Step 5: Lay both pastry sheets on top of each other then cut into 3×4 squares. NOTE: Defrost the dough in the fridge, but don’t take it out until you are ready to use. It’s much easier to handle when cold.

    Step 6: Separate the top pieces from the bottom pieces immediately. If they warm up they will stick together and it’s a pain to deal with.

    Step 7: Lay out a piece of the pastry sheet and put a small spoonful of the guava and cream cheese mixtures in the center.

    Step 8: Place another piece of pastry sheet on top and flatten slightly.

    Step 9: Crimp the edges closed with a fork.

    Step 10: Cut small holes in the top to vent the pastry and prevent the filling from bursting out of the sides.

    Step 11: Arrange on a baking sheet with a little space between each pastry.

    Step 12: Brush the pastries with egg wash over the top.

    Step 13: Bake at 375° for 20 minutes until golden brown.

    Step 14: Let cool for 5-10 minutes and serve warm! This is great for breakfast or a sweet late night treat.

    Jamaican Rum Raisin Bread Pudding with Condensed Milk Sauce

    Prep time: 15 minutes

    Cook time: 45 minutes 

    Servings: 8-10

    Ingredients:

    • 6 cups day old bread diced
    • Half stick butter melted
    • 2 cups half & half
    • 1/2 cup white Sugar
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 4 eggs
    • 2 tsp Jamaican mixed spice
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup raisins
    • 1.5 oz dark rum
    • Condensed milk sauce:
      • 1 14oz can condensed milk
      • 1/4 cup half & half
      • 1 tsp vanilla extract
      • 1 tsp cinnamon
      • 1/2 tsp cardamom
      • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
      • 2 tbsp butter

    Step 1: Whisk the melted butter, milk, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, mixed spice, vanilla, and rum together to form the custard.

    Step 2: Cut the bread into cubes and spread out evenly into a baking dish.

    Step 3: Sprinkle with raisins and mix together.

    Step 4: Pour the custard over the bread and let soak for 10 minutes.

    Step 5: Bake at 365⁰ for 40-45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

    Step 6: Put the condensed milk, butter, and half & half into a microwave safe bowl.

    Step 7: Microwave for 2 minutes whisking every 30 seconds.

    Step 8: Whisk in the vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, and set aside to cool.

    Step 9: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

    Step 10: Serve warm topped with a drizzle of the condensed milk sauce.

    Coming on Ko-fi

    I Like It Saucy Pocket Guide! 9/1/26

    Unlike my e-cookbooks that have a range of recipes, a pocket guide is a reference dedicated to only one subject, in this case, sauces! This mobile e-book has condiments, dipping sauces, and gravies galore.

    This PDF mobile cookbook is designed to be easily viewed on your phone so that you have all the recipes on hand exactly when you need them!

    Hitting my ko-fi shop at midnight on September 1!

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    Contemporary and fusion West Indian cooking... or whatever else I think up #LetHerCook