PASTELITOS -- LITTLE FRUIT PIES (SOUTHWEST)

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Pastelitos -- Little Fruit Pies (Southwest) image

This recipe was found in the 1986 cookbook, I Hear America Cooking. These "little pies" are a version of those pastries made in Arizona & New Mexico, especially during Pueblo feast days. Preparation time does not include the 30 minutes needed for the dough to chill. Although this recipe can be considered 'Native American' I marked it as 'Southwest' as part of the USA -- After all, we're all Americans!

Provided by Sydney Mike

Categories     Pie

Time 1h20m

Yield 30 squares, 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups dried apricots
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup golden raisin
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (or pinon nuts)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 lb unsalted butter
5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1/4 cup ice water (more or less)

Steps:

  • FOR THE FILLING: In a saucepan, put apricots in cold water & simmer gently until fruit is soft, about 30 minutes, then drain.
  • In a food processor or blender, puree the apricots, then return the puree to the saucepan, add the brown sugar & cook until puree is very thick, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove puree from heat, then add raisins & nuts, & set aside to cool.
  • FOR THE DOUGH: While the puree is cooling, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder & salt, then cut in the butter & shortening until pea-size pieces form.
  • Add just enough ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to make the flour stick together, then shape into a flattened ball, wrap in plastic & refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • When the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, then cut the flattened ball in half & roll one of the halves out on a GREASED baking sheet.
  • Spread the fruit mixture on top, ALMOST to the edge.
  • Roll out the second half of the dough large enough to cover the fruit mixture, then place it on top, before pressing the edges together all around to seal.
  • In a small container, whisk together the 1/3 cup of sugar & 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle that on top of the prepared pastry. Finally, with the blunt edge of a table knife, mark the pastry into small squares & prick each square with a fork ~ There should be about 30 small squares marked off.
  • Bake about 20 minutes, or until pastry is lightly browned, then cool & cut into the marked squares.

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