Pastelitos or Guava Cheese Pastries are delightful pastries that originated inLatin American cuisine,particularly incountries like Venezuela,Colombia,Argentina.

These pastries are known for their versatility, as they can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, or seafood, creating a savory and flavorful snack or appetizer.

The history of pastelitos traces back to Spanish and Portuguese influences in Latin America. These pastries evolved from traditional European empanadas, which are larger and typically filled with similar ingredients. Over time, pastelitos became popular street foods and homemade treats, enjoyed during gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals.

Today, pastelitos are cherished for their crispy, golden pastry crust that encases a savory filling. They are often served hot and can be found in bakeries, markets, and home kitchens throughout Latin America, offering a delicious taste of cultural heritage in every bite.

Ingredients:

- Puff pastry sheets (pre-made)

- Cheese (queso blanco or mozzarella), grated

- Cooked ground meat (beef or chicken), seasoned

- Cooked seafood (shrimp or crab), chopped and seasoned (optional)

- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)

- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Method of Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven according to the puff pastry package instructions.

2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.

3. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference for the size of pastelitos.

4. Place a spoonful of grated cheese and a spoonful of seasoned meat or seafood (if using) onto each pastry square.

5. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Use a fork to seal the edges.

6. Brush the tops of the pastelitos with beaten egg for a golden finish.

7. Place the pastelitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Bake in the preheated oven until the pastries are golden brown and crispy, following the puff pastry package instructions (usually around 15-20 minutes).

9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

This recipe keeps the ingredients and steps straightforward, making it easy to follow for anyone looking to make delicious pastelitos at home.

Nutrition Value:

1. Puff Pastry Sheets (Pre-made):

  - Calories: Approximately 160 calories per sheet (varies based on brand and size)

  - Carbohydrates: About 14 grams per sheet

  - Protein: Around 2 grams per sheet

  - Fat: Roughly 11 grams per sheet

  - Sodium: Varies based on brand, typically around 100-200 milligrams per sheet

  - Cholesterol: Minimal to none

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Generally low, with small amounts of iron and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and fats, but should be consumed in moderation due to its higher fat content.

2. Cheese (Queso Blanco or Mozzarella), Grated:

  - Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories per ounce (varies based on type and brand)

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal, less than 1 gram per ounce

  - Protein: Around 6-7 grams per ounce

  - Fat: Varies based on type, usually 6-8 grams per ounce

  - Sodium: Around 150-200 milligrams per ounce

  - Cholesterol: About 20-30 milligrams per ounce

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of calcium and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein and calcium, but high-fat varieties should be consumed in moderation.

3. Cooked Ground Meat (Beef or Chicken), Seasoned:

  - Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per 4-ounce serving (varies based on lean/fat content)

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: Around 20-25 grams per serving

  - Fat: Varies based on lean/fat content, usually 10-15 grams per serving

  - Sodium: Depends on seasoning, typically 50-100 milligrams per serving

  - Cholesterol: About 70-80 milligrams per serving

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins

  - Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of protein and essential nutrients, but choose lean cuts for lower fat content.

4. Cooked Seafood (Shrimp or Crab), Chopped and Seasoned (Optional):

  - Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories per 4-ounce serving (varies based on type)

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal to none

  - Protein: Around 15-20 grams per serving

  - Fat: Very low, typically 1-2 grams per serving

  - Sodium: Depends on seasoning, usually low

  - Cholesterol: Varies based on type, generally low

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides lean protein, omega-3s, and essential nutrients with minimal fat.

5. Egg, Beaten (for Egg Wash):

  - Calories: Approximately 70-80 calories per large egg

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram per egg

  - Protein: Around 6-7 grams per egg

  - Fat: About 5 grams per egg

  - Sodium: Around 70 milligrams per egg

  - Cholesterol: About 185 milligrams per egg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Excellent source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and choline

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, but moderate cholesterol content.

6. Salt and Pepper (to Taste):

  - Calories: Negligible (salt and pepper are used in very small amounts)

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Varies based on usage, typically low in small amounts

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Minimal

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor but should be used sparingly due to high sodium content in salt. Pepper adds negligible nutritional value but enhances taste without additional calories.