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balish

Dessert Recipe: Balish

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Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese full-fat
  • 8 ounces unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Nut Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups walnuts finely chopped or ground
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 or 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Fruit Filling (Optional)

  • 3 cups fresh fruit apples, berries, or apricots work well
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch for thickening

For Cream Cheese Filling (Optional)

  • 6 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 egg yolk

For Assembly:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Make the Dough
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
  • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together into a soft ball.
  • Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This resting time ensures the dough firms up and becomes easier to handle.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Filling
  • Nut Filling: In a saucepan, combine the milk, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then stir in the finely ground walnuts. Allow the mixture to cool.
  • Fruit Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh fruit, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
  • Cream Cheese Filling: Stir together the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, sugar, and egg yolk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
  • Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles (about 2 inches in diameter).
  • Place a teaspoon of your chosen filling (walnut, fruit, or cream cheese) in the center of each circle.
  • Pinch the edges together to form a triangle or a half-moon shape. Alternatively, roll the dough around the filling like a cigar for a different presentation.
  • Arrange the filled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Step 4: Bake
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the pastries for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Let the pastries cool on a wire rack.
  • Step 5: Finish
  • Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy these little delights with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve them at your next gathering.
  • Tips and Variations