Mini brick pastry pies

Mini Brick Pastries – A Sweet Delight for All Occasions

If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert recipe that impresses with its flavor, mini brick pastries are the perfect choice! These little treats, filled with pumpkin and apples, are ideal for delighting your guests or adding a sweet touch to your holiday table. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that allows you to experiment with various ingredients. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini pastries

Ingredients:
- 1 roll of brick pastry
- 1 pie pumpkin (about 500 g)
- 500 g apples (preferably sweet apples)
- 3 tablespoons oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (or more if you love the aroma)
- Chopped nuts (optional, for added texture and flavor)

A bit of history:
Brick pastries have a long-standing tradition, appreciated in various cultures for their crispy texture and diverse fillings. This recipe combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the intense flavors of apples and cinnamon, evoking pleasant childhood memories.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the pumpkin and apples. Cut the pumpkin into cubes and grate the apples. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process.

2. Cooking the filling:
In a saucepan over low heat, add the pumpkin and grated apples, along with the 3 tablespoons of oil and 3-4 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Stir constantly to prevent sticking until the mixture reduces in volume and becomes denser, releasing savory flavors. This step is essential for achieving a delicious filling.

3. Cooling the filling:
Once the filling has reduced, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. It's important to wait for it to cool completely before adding the cinnamon and any other preferred spices. The cinnamon will add a warm and comforting aroma.

4. Preparing the brick pastry:
Meanwhile, prepare the baking tray. Cut the brick sheets into the appropriate sizes for your tray. It's best to have a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

5. Assembling the mini pastries:
On each sheet of brick pastry, add 2 tablespoons of filling. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top if using. Roll carefully to avoid tearing the fragile sheets. Place the rolls on the prepared tray, making sure to leave a little space between them.

6. Baking:
Once you've finished placing all the rolls, brush them with a little oil on top. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. You'll smell the delicious aroma of the filling wafting throughout the kitchen!

7. Serving:
Once the mini pastries are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an attractive look and sweet taste! These mini pastries are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold.

Serving suggestions:
For an extra burst of flavor, you can serve mini pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this treat!

Variations:
- You can experiment with different fillings, adding raisins, pecans, or even chocolate for a decadent taste.
- Substitute apples with pears or peaches for another tempting flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners.

Nutritional benefits:
Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin A, and is low in calories. Apples, rich in fiber, are great for digestion and contribute to heart health. These mini pastries, when consumed in moderation, can be a delicious and healthy dessert choice.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use pie dough instead of brick pastry?
Yes, but the baking time may vary. Pie dough generally requires a longer baking time.

2. How can I store mini pastries?
You can store mini pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What is the best way to defrost mini pastries?
The best way is to let them thaw at room temperature, then reheat them in the oven to regain their crispiness.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get started! Mini brick pastries are a wonderful choice for any occasion and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!