Cretan Turnovers Skaltsounia Recipes

CHOCOLATE TURNOVERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place the puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle the pastry with a little flour and roll out to form a 12inch square. Brush away any excess flour and trim the edges to make a perfect square.
• Cut the puff pastry into nine 3 1/2inch squares. Transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream. Neatly brush a little of the egg wash along 2 of the edges of each square. Place the chocolate, divided equally, and 1/4 teaspoon of the almonds on each square. Fold down the unwashed edges to enclose the chocolate, forming a triangle. Using your fingers, gently but firmly press the puff pastry edges together to seal them.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is thoroughly chilled. Remove from the freezer and brush the tops of the turnovers with the remaining egg wash.
• Place in the oven and bake until the turnovers are puffed and golden, about 15 minutes.

CRETAN SMALL CHEESE PIES (KALITSOUNIA KRITIS)

Steps:

• Put the flour in a bowl and blend in some salt and water to form a thick dough.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured board and cut into round shapes with a pastry cutter or drinking glass.
• Place the cheese, egg and finely chopped mint in a bowl and mix together.
• Place a teaspoon of the mixture into the middle of each round shaped pastry.
• Fold half of the pastry over the filling, pressing the open ends of a fork along the folded end of the pie.
• Heat the olive oil over a medium heat and fry the pies until they are a golden colour.
• Place the pies on a serving plate, sprinkle with sugar and serve.

CRETAN KALITSOUNIA (SWEET CHEESE PASTRIES)

Steps:

• Prepare a stiff dough with the flour, olive oil, salt and water.
• Leave to rest, covered, for an hour.
• Crumble cheese.
• Mix well with egg, zest, cinnamon and sugar.
• Separate dough in two.
• Take half of dough and roll out 1/8 inch thick on a lightly-floured surface.
• Using a water glass, cut into small rounds 3 inches in diameter.
• Place 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture on each round of dough, moisten edges with a little water, fold over and seal well, pressing the edges together with a fork.
• Repeat with remaining dough and cheese filling.
• Heat enough olive oil or clarified butter to come up about 3/4 inch of pan.
• Fry pastries until golden brown.
• Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar and serve hot.