PASTELITODE DE QUESO: CUBAN PUFF PASTRY WITH CREAM CHEESE

Pastelitode de Queso: Cuban Puff Pastry With Cream Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Time 3h25m

Yield 50 small pastries

Number Of Ingredients 8

5 pounds high-gluten flour (bread flour), plus more for dusting
1 1/2 liters water
4 ounces pork lard
1 1/2 ounces salt
2 1/2 pounds margarine, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup sugar
13 1/4 ounces cream cheese
Cafe con leche, for serving

Steps:

Combine and mix the flour, water, pork lard and salt. Mix until the dough is not sticky but not firm (do not over mix), finger should leave a dent. Place the dough on a large, floured work surface. Using hands, stretch the dough out into a large, even rectangle. Spread the cubes of margarine evenly on top. Vertically fold each end to meet in the middle. Overlapping, in thirds, fold horizontally. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1 1/2 inches thick. Fold into thirds vertically and then again horizontally. Transfer to a baking tray and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Once rested, transfer the dough to a floured work surface and roll out to a 1-inch thick rectangle. Dust off any excess flour and repeat the folds, 4 folds in total. Transfer to a baking tray, wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
Lay the dough on a sugared work surface. Sprinkle the rest of the sugar on top of the dough. Roll the dough out to a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Make sure to press the sugar into the dough. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Place a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese in each center. Wet the dough's edges with water. Fold one corner into the cream cheese and continue to roll like a cigar. Press 3 fingers flat on top of the pastry. Place in the oven for until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve with a cafe con leche.