Orange cream cheese pastries

Orange Cream Queijadas

I propose a delicious and refined recipe, perfect for impressing your guests or indulging yourself on a relaxing afternoon. Queijadas are small pastries that have become popular due to their varied fillings, but the orange cream filling is truly special. This recipe combines the crunchy texture of the shells with a flavorful and vibrant orange cream, turning every bite into a true taste experience.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 shells

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough base:*
- 400 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g margarine (or butter, if you prefer a richer taste)
- 1 egg
- Cold water (as needed to form a soft dough)

*For the orange cream:*
- 500 g sugar
- 250 ml water
- 5 egg yolks
- 6 eggs
- Juice and grated zest of 2 oranges

*For the milk cream (optional version):*
- 400 g sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g flour
- 50 g butter
- 2 eggs

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough base:
In a large bowl, combine flour with a pinch of salt. Add the margarine (or butter) cut into cubes and rub it with the flour until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. Add the egg and mix well. Start adding cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes soft but not sticky. It is important not to add too much water, as it may alter the texture of the dough.

2. Resting the dough:
After obtaining a homogeneous dough, form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This will help the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

3. Shaping the forms:
After the dough has rested in the refrigerator, grease the shell molds with margarine or lard. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm. Cut circles from the dough and carefully place them in the molds, pressing them gently on the bottom and sides.

4. Preparing the orange cream:
In a saucepan, add the sugar and water and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and whole eggs. When the sugar syrup has cooled slightly, gradually pour it over the egg mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.

5. Adding flavors:
Incorporate the juice and grated zest of the oranges into the egg and sugar mixture. This will add a fresh and aromatic note to your cream.

6. Filling the shells:
Pour the orange cream into the dough shells, filling them almost to the edge. Make sure not to overfill them, as the cream will puff up during baking.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the molds in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the shells turn golden and the cream is firm to the touch. Let them cool in the molds for a few minutes before removing them.

8. Preparing the milk cream (optional):
If you want to add a second filling option, for the milk cream, mix the softened butter with sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, flour, and milk, mixing well. Pour this mixture into other shell molds and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Serving and combinations:
Orange cream queijadas are wonderful served warm or at room temperature. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness. For an even more enjoyable experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of citrus tea.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature before using them. This helps achieve a more uniform texture.
- You can experiment with other flavors by adding a few drops of almond or vanilla essence to the orange cream.
- If you want to enrich the cream, you can also add some finely chopped white chocolate.

Nutritional information:
This recipe offers a treat that may contain about 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used. Queijadas are a good source of energy due to their sugar and fat content. Additionally, oranges provide vitamin C, essential for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of citrus?
Yes, you can experiment with lemons or grapefruit, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar to compensate for the acidity.

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

3. What is the best alternative to margarine?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use coconut oil or butter.

In conclusion, this recipe for queijadas with orange cream is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to play with flavors and textures. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these treats will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every moment of cooking and savor the final result!

 Ingredients: Dough: -400 g flour salt 100 g margarine 1 egg a little water. Orange cream: 500 g sugar 250 ml water 5 egg yolks 6 eggs juice and zest from 2 oranges. Milk cream: 400 g sugar 0.5 l milk 100 g flour 50 g butter 2 eggs.

 Tags:  orange cream