Brazilian Honeyed Pastries

Ingredients

While the original Qagħaq tal-ħmira from Maltese cuisine is a savory pastry, this Brazilian adaptation transforms it into a sweet delicacy. The original recipe's spices and flavors are replaced with a honey-based filling and glaze, giving it a distinct Brazilian twist. The cooking techniques and preparation steps have also been modified to suit the Brazilian culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Qagħaq tal-ħmira, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey, for glaze 1/4 cup (60ml) honey, for glaze

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, mix together the milk and water. Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly until smooth.
3. 3.
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Heat over low heat until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into small circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
7. 7.
   Place a teaspoon of the honey mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
8. 8.
   Transfer the filled pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove the pastries from the oven and immediately brush them with honey for a glossy glaze.
10. 10.
    Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon — If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount to 1 teaspoon.
• Ground cloves — Be cautious with cloves as they have a strong flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Ground nutmeg — Freshly grated nutmeg will provide the best flavor. If using pre-ground nutmeg, make sure it is not expired for optimal taste.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky pastry texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the filling for added crunch.
• Serve the pastries warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the honey before brushing it onto the pastries.
• Make sure to seal the edges of the pastries well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• These pastries are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Brazilian honeyed pastries as a sweet treat after a delicious Brazilian meal. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pastries on a serving platter and drizzle some extra honey on top for an enticing presentation. You can also sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance.