Black Eyed Susans Recipe
Sweet, succulent dates encased in flaky cheese pastry, straight from the kitchen of the Junior League of Kansas City, featured in the beloved cookbook “Beyond Parsley.” These elegant treats are perfect for parties, special occasions, or just when you’re in the mood for something deliciously unique. The contrast between the rich cheese pastry and the sweet dates makes these a must-try. Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Cayenne pepper | A pinch |
| Pitted dates (cut in half) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 973.2 |
| Fat | 56.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 35.5g |
| Cholesterol | 160.7mg |
| Sodium | 476mg |
| Carbohydrates | 97.9g |
| Fiber | 7.2g |
| Sugars | 56.8g |
| Protein | 25.3g |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blend the butter and cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the unsalted butter and grated sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. |
| 2 | Add the dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to form a dough. |
| 3 | Chill the dough: Once the dough is fully mixed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. |
| 4 | Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 250°F to 300°F (120°C to 150°C). |
| 5 | Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. |
| 6 | Cut into rounds: Using a small biscuit cutter (or a round cookie cutter), cut the dough into small rounds, about 2 inches in diameter. |
| 7 | Prepare the dates: Place a half pitted date onto one side of each dough round. |
| 8 | Form turnovers: Fold the other half of the dough round over the date, creating a small turnover shape. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal. |
| 9 | Bake the turnovers: Place the formed turnovers on a non-stick cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until golden and crisp. |
| 10 | Roll in sugar: While the turnovers are still hot, carefully roll them in granulated sugar for a sweet coating. |
| 11 | Serve warm: Enjoy these delicate pastries warm, fresh out of the oven, or at room temperature. |
Cooking and Preparation Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving a flaky texture, so don’t skip this step. The dough should feel firm to the touch after chilling.
- Rolling out the dough thinly ensures that the pastry stays light and crisp while baking.
- The temperature range (250°F to 300°F) allows for slow, even cooking, which helps the dough crisp up without burning the delicate pastry.
- Rolling in sugar while the pastries are still hot gives them a beautifully crystallized coating, adding a little sparkle and sweetness.
Tips for Best Results
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère or Emmental for a unique twist on the original flavor.
- Swap out the dates for other dried fruits such as apricots or figs if you prefer a different filling.
- These turnovers are best served warm, but you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in a low oven before serving to regain some of that freshly-baked magic.
Enjoy making this delightful pastry that’s sure to become a favorite for any gathering. Whether for a party or a family treat, Black Eyed Susans will charm everyone with their unique combination of sweet and savory flavors!
