Guava and Cream Cheese

I grew-up in South Florida and often enjoyed Cuban pastries that were filled with guava and cream cheese.  These pastries were readily available from food carts in downtown Miami, walk-up cafeterias or in a variety of local Latin bakeries speckled all over Miami.  Living in Tallahassee these pastries are not readily available, and I have adapted a new way to enjoy the flavors of guava and cream cheese.

I don't know how many of my visitors to my blog are familiar with guava paste.  This fruit paste is made from the pulp of the tropical fruit guava, and is best described as sweet, with the texture of fruit leather.  Guava is easily found in the ethnic section of most supermarkets.  If you are not familiar with guava paste, don't shy away from trying, it is inexpensive, versatile and you can add it to your list of new foods that you enjoy.

This is a quick and easy appetizer that highlights the flavor combination of guava coupled with cream cheese, served on galletas (Cuban water crackers, also easily found in the ethnic section of your local supermarket) is a great way to serve up something a little different for yourself or friends.

Guava and Cream Cheese served on Cuban Water Crackers

Ingredients:

1 pound guava paste, cut into squares

1 pound block cream cheese, cut into squares
1 bag of gallestas (Cuban water crackers)

Directions:

Place the cream cheese on a cracker, top with a guava square.

Enjoy!