Guava and Cheese Pastries

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 package (17.3-ounce0 frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed (2 sheets)
• 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup guava paste or guava jelly

Preparation:

1. Prepare the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil, and simmer for several minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. 
   
   
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 
   
   
3. Beat the cream cheese lightly with the sugar, 1 egg yolk (reserve egg white), and the vanilla. 
   
   
4. Gently unroll one sheet of the puff pastry dough. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the pastry lengthwise into 3 equal strips. Repeat with remaining sheet of pastry.
   
   
5. Working quickly, place 3 of the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Spread 1/3 of the gauva paste (or jelly) lengthwise down the center of each strip. Top with 1/3 of the cheese mixture. 
   
   
6. Brush the edges of the pastry lightly with water. Top each one with another strip of pastry, and seal the edges well using your finger or a fork. Whisk the egg white with 1 tablespoon water and brush over the top of the pastries. 
   
   
7. Place the pastries in the oven and bake until they are just turning golden, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and brush pastries generously with the simple syrup. Return them to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes more, or until puffed, flaky, and golden. Remove from the oven and slice each pastry crosswise into individual portions. Serve warm.