Tango Pastry

Tango Pastry is a unique baked good that combines the delicate layers of a classic puff pastry with a rich and flavorful filling, creating a dance of flavors and textures. Its origin can be traced back to the heart of Argentina, where it was inspired by the cultural influence of both European confections and traditional South American ingredients. The name "Tango Pastry" pays homage to the region's vibrant dance, symbolizing the perfect fusion of precision and passion.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Unsalted Butter - 1 cup (cold and cut into cubes)
• Iced Water - 1/2 cup
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Cream Cheese - 8 ounces
• Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Egg - 1 (beaten for egg wash)
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Fruit Jam or Dulce de Leche - 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon

Preparation

Step 1: Making the Pastry Dough

• In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
• Add cubes of unsalted butter into the bowl.
• Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter and flour until the mixture is crumbly with pea-sized bits.
• Gradually add iced water, stirring just until damp clumps form.
• Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

• In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Assembling the Tango Pastry

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a 1/8-inch thickness.
• Cut the dough into 4-inch squares.
• Add 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each square.
• Top with a dollop of fruit jam or dulce de leche.
• Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the filling.
• Fold the corners of the squares towards the center, leaving some filling exposed.
• Brush the edges with egg wash to seal and give a golden finish.

Cooking Process

Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden and puffed. Taking care to check at the halfway point, you may wish to rotate the pan for even cooking. Use a cooking timer to ensure precise timing.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy the Tango Pastry warm from the oven, allowing the filling's flavors to blend beautifully. Pair it with a cup of Argentine mate tea or strong coffee for an authentic experience. These pastries also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, contrasting the warm, flaky pastry with cold creaminess. Perfect for brunch or as a delightful dessert, Tango Pastry offers a taste of Argentina in every bite.