Cream Cheese Pastry with Almond Filling Start your day with a delightful and irresistible treat – Cream Cheese Pastry with Almond Filling. This delectable pastry combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the nutty goodness of almonds, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave you craving for more. Ingredients: - 1 sheet of puff pastry - 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup of granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract - 1/2 cup of almond slices - Powdered sugar for dusting Instructions: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares. 3. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract. Mix well until smooth and creamy. 4. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges. 5. Sprinkle almond slices on top of the cream cheese mixture. 6. Fold the corners of each square towards the center, slightly overlapping them to create a well-sealed pocket. 7. Transfer the pastries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 8. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. 9. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. 10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. How to Prepare: 1. Slice the Cream Cheese Pastry with Almond Filling into individual portions. 2. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Preparation Time: - Total time: Approximately 30 minutes - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: - This recipe makes 4 Cream Cheese Pastries with Almond Filling. Nutrition Facts: - Calories: 380 per serving - Total Fat: 26g - Saturated Fat: 11g - Cholesterol: 40mg - Sodium: 170mg - Total Carbohydrate: 31g - Dietary Fiber: 2g - Sugars: 11g - Protein: 8g Tips: - For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. - If you prefer a sweeter pastry, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the filling. - Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, for a variation in flavor and texture. FAQs: Q: Can I make the Cream Cheese Pastry with Almond Filling in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. Just bake them when ready to serve. Q: Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought? A: Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give your pastries a more rustic and homemade touch. Q: Can I freeze the Cream Cheese Pastry with Almond Filling? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries. Just tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Indulge in the heavenly combination of cream cheese and almonds with this Cream Cheese Pastry with Almond Filling recipe. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion and will surely impress your friends and family. Enjoy the buttery, flaky pastry, creamy filling, and crunchy almonds in every bite. Treat yourself to this delightful dessert, and savor the flavors that will transport you to pastry heaven.