Latin Flair – Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies
Sometimes I’m not a good Latina. By sometimes, I mean when I am reminded that I don’t like guava – a quintessential Latin fruit. Open any Latin cookbook, especially those whose focus is on Latin Caribbean dishes and guava will always make an appearance in both sweet and savory dishes. But no matter how much I have tried, guava just doesn’t mesh with my taste buds.
I didn’t let that stop me from making this cookie from Daisy Martinez’s latest cookbook. Sure, I took the Latin out of it buy swapping strawberry for guava. But this cookie will be great no matter what it’s filled with. Made with a combination of all purpose and almond flours, its texture is perfectly crumbly and makes an excellent vehicle for enjoying your favorite fruit spread, guava or not.
So go ahead and make it and see for yourself. And don’t let the fact that I don’t like guava keep you from trying it, as most folks find it pretty darn tasty.
Puerto Rican Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup almond flour
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
2 sticks (8ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
2 extra large eggs, well beaten
About 2/3 cup guava (or other) jellyDirections:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (or use nonstick baking sheets).
Stir the all purpose and almond flours, the sugar and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the butter and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips or pastry blender until there is almost no trace left of butter. The dough should be loose and crumbly. Add the eggs and stir until the dough is smooth and no longer crumbly. Using 1 level tablespoon for each, roll the dough into balls and set them about 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press down firmly on the center of each dough ball with your thumb to flatten it out and create a deep well. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the jelly into each well. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the jelly into each well.
Bake until the cookies are very pale golden around the edges, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days - but handle them gently; they are very crumbly.
Share
Mary — July 16, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
These look wonderful. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make them with guava jelly as it is not available here. What would be a good substitute? I hope you are having a great day. Blessings…Mary
www.sweetcreationsbystephanie.com — July 16, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
You are not the only Puerto Rican that doesn't like guava.. My husband doesn't like it either. I'll have to make a batch and substitute strawberry for guava.
hannah {thepastrykook} — July 16, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
im not sure if i'd like guava jelly but i sure do like guava on its own! the cookies look amazing!
vanillasugar — July 16, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
i love guava, so i have to have a little latina in me yes? these are perfect ms thing.
Sweet and Savory — July 16, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
I have almond flour but I am not sure that I have ever seen guava jelly. I will have to look more carefully.
Nina — July 16, 2010 @ 11:09 pm
Oh guava! I love guava! I've only had it in juice, but it would be interesting to try this with the guava jelly!
The Scootabaker — July 17, 2010 @ 12:11 am
you're a gem! I just bought some guava puree to make hawaiian cupcakes! Take that chica!
Joanne — July 17, 2010 @ 11:39 am
I think guava is an acquired taste for just about anyone…I happen to love it, but I can see how a person wouldn't. These cookies look delicious either way!
Julie — July 17, 2010 @ 10:41 pm
That looks like a whole lot of yum right there!
chris — July 18, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
I have never had guava anything! Think this is a great way to introduce myself to it. Love anything with almond flour.
Ingrid — July 19, 2010 @ 12:15 am
Ha! Until about two months ago I didn't like guava either. I do now though it wouldn't be the first thing I grab.Is it only the guava that makes these PR cookies? ~ingrid
Mary Jo — July 19, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
these look simple and delicious!
Sarah — July 19, 2010 @ 4:56 pm
mmmmmmm. I just found out I like guava jelly. I think I'll give these a try. They're beautiful!
Stephanie — July 20, 2010 @ 2:17 pm
Guava is hit or miss for me. I do love it in pastelitos though! Your cookies look delicious!
Patty — July 21, 2010 @ 7:13 pm
¡Hola Chica!These little cookies sound delicious – probably wonderful with date, fig, or pineapple preserves too…
xo Patty