Picos

Authentic Nicaraguan Picos Recipe with Bread Dough, Cane Sugar, and Quajada

Region / culture: Nicaragua | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Picos are a delicious and traditional Spanish pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. These sweet treats are made with a simple bread dough, sugar, and quajada cheese. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Picos have been a popular snack in Spain for many years. They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The combination of sweet sugar and creamy cheese makes them a favorite among both children and adults.

Ingredients

regular bread dough
cane sugar (often sold under the brand name "sugar in the Raw")
quajada (a powdery soft cheese from Nicaragua; white farmer's cheese can be substituted)

How to prepare

Roll the bread dough thinly and cut it into large triangles.
Place approximately half a teaspoon of cane sugar and a small piece of quajada on one corner of the triangle.
Fold over the other corner of the triangle and seal the edges.
Bake until the bread is fully cooked.
If you are using refrigerated bread dough from a can, it will only take a few minutes.
If you are making the bread dough from scratch, it will take a bit longer.

Variations

You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar filling for extra flavor.
You can also use a different type of cheese, such as cream cheese or ricotta, instead of quajada.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll the bread dough thinly to ensure that the picos are crispy.

- Seal the edges of the picos well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Keep an eye on the picos while they are baking to prevent them from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Picos are best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the picos in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find quajada cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the picos ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the picos on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Picos pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover picos in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of picos contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of picos contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of picos contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of picos contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Picos are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Picos contain gluten and dairy.

Summary

Picos are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates. They are a great option for a sweet snack or breakfast.

Summary

Picos are a delicious and easy-to-make Spanish pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With a simple bread dough, sugar, and quajada cheese, these sweet treats are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that my dear friend Maria had given me many years ago. As I turned the pages, a simple yet intriguing recipe caught my eye - Picos, a traditional Spanish snack made with flour, olive oil, and seasonings.

I had never heard of Picos before, but something about the recipe spoke to me. I could almost taste the crispy, flaky texture and the fragrant aroma of the spices. I knew I had to give it a try, so I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen.

As I mixed the flour, olive oil, salt, and baking powder together, I thought about the countless recipes I had collected over the years. Some came from my own family, passed down from generation to generation. Others were shared with me by friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met at the market.

Each recipe held a story, a memory, a connection to someone or something special. And as I rolled out the dough for the Picos, I couldn't help but think of all the people who had influenced my love for cooking.

Maria, my dear friend who had given me the cookbook, was the first person who came to mind. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. I had learned so much from her over the years, and I knew she would be delighted to hear about my latest culinary adventure.

I shaped the dough into small sticks and placed them on a baking sheet, sprinkling them with a generous amount of paprika and sea salt. The kitchen filled with the warm, spicy aroma, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the Picos baked in the oven, I thought about the other recipes I had learned from different sources. There was Rosa, the sweet old lady who lived down the street and taught me how to make the most delicious empanadas. And Miguel, the young chef who worked at the local restaurant and showed me the secret to a perfect paella.

Each of these recipes had a special place in my heart, a connection to a person or a moment in time that I cherished. And as I pulled the golden-brown Picos out of the oven, I knew that this recipe would be no different.

I let the Picos cool for a few minutes before taking a bite. The first crunch was heavenly, the flavors bursting in my mouth - the richness of the olive oil, the warmth of the paprika, the hint of salt. It was perfect.

I couldn't wait to share my new creation with my family and friends. I knew they would love it as much as I did, and that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

And so, as I sat down to enjoy my homemade Picos with a cup of hot tea, I couldn't help but smile. Cooking had always been my passion, my way of connecting with others and creating lasting memories. And with each new recipe I learned, each new dish I mastered, that passion only grew stronger.

As the rain continued to fall outside, I savored every bite of my homemade Picos, grateful for the people who had inspired me and the joy that cooking brought to my life. And I knew that as long as I had a kitchen to cook in and a heart full of memories, I would never stop exploring new flavors and sharing them with the ones I loved.