Guava Cheese
Guava Cheese Recipe from Trinidad and Tobago - Ingredients: Guava, Sugar, Cinnamon, Butter
Introduction
Guava cheese is a sweet and delicious treat that is popular in many Latin American countries. Made from guava pulp and sugar, this confection is a favorite for those with a sweet tooth. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, as well as nutrition information and serving suggestions for guava cheese.
History
Guava cheese has its origins in Portugal, where it is known as "marmelada de goiaba." The recipe was brought to Latin America by Portuguese colonizers and has since become a beloved dessert in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Guava cheese is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, and is a staple in many Latin American households.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Ensure that the guavas are firm and undamaged. Peel and remove the seeds.
- Pass the guava flesh through a fine sieve to remove all the small seeds.
- In a heavy skillet (or pot with a heavy bottom), combine the guava pulp, sugar, and spice. Cook on high heat until the mixture starts to bubble, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat and continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly with an up and over motion, until it thickens and easily separates from the bottom and sides of the pot. The pot should be left clean. To test the consistency, drop a small amount of the mixture onto a saucer. It should form a ball that can be rolled around.
- Pour the guava cheese into a greased fireproof glass dish and allow it to cool.
- Once cooled, cut the guava cheese into small squares.
Variations
- For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a splash of rum or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the guava cheese mixture. You can also experiment with different spices such as cloves or nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When making guava cheese, it is important to use firm and undamaged guavas. Make sure to peel and remove the seeds before passing the guava flesh through a fine sieve to remove any remaining seeds. Cooking the mixture on high heat until it starts to bubble, then reducing the heat and stirring constantly, will help ensure that the guava cheese thickens properly. Testing the consistency by dropping a small amount onto a saucer will help determine when the mixture is ready to be poured into a dish to cool.
Serving Suggestions
Guava cheese can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet snack, or paired with cheese and crackers for a savory-sweet combination. It can also be served alongside ice cream or yogurt for a delicious dessert.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking the guava cheese mixture on high heat until it starts to bubble, then reducing the heat and stirring constantly, is key to achieving the right consistency. Using a heavy skillet or pot with a heavy bottom will help prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have access to fresh guavas, you can use guava paste or jelly as a substitute. You can also experiment with different fruits such as mango or pineapple for a variation on the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
Guava cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.
Presentation Ideas
To make guava cheese more visually appealing, try cutting it into different shapes such as hearts or stars. You can also dust the squares with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a decorative touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Guava cheese pairs well with cheese and crackers, as well as with creamy desserts such as flan or custard. It also goes well with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee for a sophisticated treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Guava cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. To reheat, simply microwave the squares for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of guava cheese contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Guava cheese is high in carbohydrates due to the sugar used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Guava cheese is low in fats, with each serving containing only 1 gram of fat.
Proteins
Guava cheese is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing less than 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Guava cheese is a good source of Vitamin C, with each serving providing approximately 20% of the recommended daily intake. It also contains small amounts of Vitamin A and potassium.
Alergens
Guava cheese may contain allergens such as dairy if butter is used to grease the dish. It is important to check for any allergens before consuming.
Summary
Overall, guava cheese is a sweet treat that is high in carbohydrates and Vitamin C, but low in fats and proteins. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Guava cheese is a sweet and delicious treat that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy this traditional Latin American dessert with friends and family. Whether served on its own or paired with other dishes, guava cheese is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
How did I get this recipe?
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The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived in a small village in the countryside. Maria was known for her delicious homemade treats, and on that particular day, she was making guava cheese.
As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the sweet aroma of guava and sugar cooking on the stove. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a spoonful of the bubbling mixture. I took a bite and was instantly transported back to my childhood, when my own grandmother used to make guava cheese for special occasions.
I asked Maria if she would teach me how to make it, and she happily agreed. She explained that guava cheese is a traditional dessert in her family, passed down from generation to generation. The recipe was simple, but it required patience and attention to detail.
We started by peeling and seeding ripe guavas, then simmering them with sugar until they were soft and fragrant. Next, we pureed the mixture and cooked it down until it thickened into a smooth paste. Maria showed me how to test the consistency by dropping a spoonful onto a plate - if it held its shape, it was ready.
Once the guava paste was done, we poured it into a greased pan and smoothed it out with a spatula. Maria told me that the key to a perfect guava cheese was to let it set overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
The next day, we cut the guava cheese into squares and dusted them with powdered sugar. I took a bite and was overwhelmed by the sweet, tangy flavor of the guava. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
From that day on, guava cheese became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, holidays, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I made it, I thought of Maria and the special bond we had forged over a shared love of cooking.
Years passed, and Maria eventually moved away, but the memory of that summer day in her kitchen remained with me. I continued to make guava cheese, experimenting with different variations and adding my own twist to the traditional recipe.
Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of a special moment shared with loved ones.
And as I take a bite of the guava cheese I made today, I am reminded of Maria and the lessons she taught me about patience, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with others. In that simple dessert, I find a connection to my past, a link to my roots, and a reminder of the power of food to bring us together.
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