Individual Asian Pear Tarts

I was on facebook and saw an AD that Cathay Pacific is doing on creating an Asian inspired dessert. I thought I can think of something. I like eating chinese Asian pears and using puff pastry but to add a kick to the dessert I decided to use guava paste. Guava paste is a sweet paste made mainly from guava pulp and sugar that is formed into a block. Asian pears are great because it adds sweetness but not so much that it is overly sweet. I was testing out how to present the pear tarts--I made a rectangular tart and as a turnover/small pie. I added some vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg for some added flavor that compliments the Asian pears without being overpowering. The resulting Asian pear tart came out golden brown, crispy, sweet, and not overpowering. This is an easy dessert to make since you use store bought puff pastry. Below is the recipe for the tart version. Hope that my dessert wins.

Also, please vote for my dessert at http://www.facebook.com/cathaypacificUS?v=app_168465223167646#!/cathaypacificUS?v=app_168465223167646
look for the Individual Asian pear tarts. Click like.

Individual Asian Pear Tarts

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 box puff pastry

3 Asian pears, sliced thin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

Guava paste sauce:

1 container of guava paste, using only half the container

2 tablespoons lime juice

½ cup water, more if needed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Thaw puff pastry according to package directions.

Cut the guava paste in half and put one half of the guava paste with the lime juice and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until guava paste is a sauce like consistency and spreadable, about 4-5 minutes. Adding more water if mixture becomes too thick.

Unfold puff pastry. Roll into a 11 x 12 inch rectangle. Cut 1 inch strips on all sides of the puff pastry. This will be used later as borders around the tarts. You will end up with a 9 x 10 inch rectangle. Cut the rectangular puff pastry in half lengthwise then in half crosswise. You will have a total of 4 rectangles that are approximately 4.5 x 5 inches. Take the 1 inch strips of puff pastry and cut into ½ inch strip lengthwise. Take the ½ inch strip of puff pastry and cut it the same length and width of the rectangular puff pastries. Do the same to the other sheet of puff pastry. Put the rectangular sheets and strips of puff pastry on a parchment lined baking sheet and then in the fridge to chill while you make the filling.

Take Asian pears and peel the skin. Slice the Asian pears in half, take out the center, and slice them into very thin slices. Place in a bowl. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg; toss to coat the slices evenly.

Brush the rectangular sheets of puff pastry with a thin layer of guava paste sauce. Place the strips all around the sides of the puff pastry sheets, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange the Asian pear slices straight across the puff pastry, overlapping the slices. Brush the tops of the Asian pears with the guava paste sauce.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown and the Asian pears have started to brown. Take out of the oven. Serve hot.