One of My Favorite Cuban Desserts

     I am going to share with you today an easy recipe for Pie de Guayaba con Queso Crema, which translated would be Guava and Cream Cheese Crusty Pie.  This dessert is extremely popular among Cubans.  Guava is an essential ingredients in Cuban food, and if you ask for any Cuban dessert, chances are that it is made out of it.  When I think about Cuban and sweets, guava is the first thing that comes to mind.  It is very versatile since it can also be used as an ingredient for a main dish.  (I will give you more recipes in a different post) Anyway, my recipe is uncomplicated and the results are astonishing.  My mother in law taught me how to bake it, and today I am passing it along to all of you.
      Forget about making and rolling the dough because I have found the best shortcut for the most amazing Cuban Pie.

Crusty Guava and Cream Cheese Pie
Ingredients:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust ( Pillsbury works the best for me)
• 1 8oz.  package of Cream Cheese
• 1 package of Guava Paste 17.5 oz. (500 gr.)
• 1 egg 

     The pie crust comes with two dough circles.  Take one of the circles and roll them a bit with a rolling pin, just enough so the dough is about 1 inch larger than the pie pan. Put it on the pie pan and with your hands push it in until the dough takes the shape of the pan.  Do not worry if the dough spills over.  Leave the excess dough.  Do not cut it.
     Now, cut the guava and the cream cheese in thin slices and distribute them all around the dough.  Put guava first, then cream cheese, and repeat all around.
     Take the other pie circle and roll it just a bit.  Then, cover the cream cheese and guava with it.  Tuck the edges of the upper crust under the lower crust, and press together lightly.  Using the rim of the pie plate as a guide, create a fluted edge with your fingers.   Using a sharp knife, cut five vents from the center of the pie, or just make any decorative cuts that you like.  Brush the whole pie with an egg before baking to get a shiny, beautiful crust.
     Bake it at 375 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes.
     Let it cool a bit before serving it.  Enjoy it! Qué aproveche!