For a truly festive Greek Christmas baking experience, consider making Pites Me Glika, delightful fruit-filled pastries that are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. These traditional treats are bursting with sweet flavors and a hint of spices, making them a perfect indulgence during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a cozy baking day at home, these Pites Me Glika are a wonderful choice to try your hand at.
**Pites Me Glika Fruit Filled Pastries**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, apricots), finely chopped
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup water
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to mix well.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more yogurt, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dried fruits, honey, and water. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the fruits are soft and the mixture is thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Take one portion of the chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a cookie cutter or a glass.
8. Place a spoonful of the fruit filling in the center of each round. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
9. Transfer the filled pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust the cooled Pites Me Glika with powdered sugar before serving. These pastries can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
These Pites Me Glika are a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire, bringing a taste of Greece to your Christmas celebrations. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or giving as gifts. Enjoy these fruit-filled pastries with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and flavorful treat during the festive season.
