Ingredients:

For the Pineapple Cinnamon Pastry Twists:

• 300g canned pineapple (drained and chopped)
• 500g pastry dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sugar for sprinkling
• Icing sugar for dusting
• Fresh mint (for garnish)

For the Rose-Infused Black Tea:

• Black loose-leaf tea
• Dried rose petals
• Sugar to taste

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:

• Serves: 6

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Filling

1. Drain and Chop Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. Place the pieces on a clean paper towel to absorb any remaining juice. This will help prevent sogginess in the pastry.
2. Mix with Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pineapple with 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss until the pineapple is well-coated. This mixture will caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding a lovely golden color and a warm cinnamon flavor.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick, aiming for a rectangle shape. Trim the edges if needed to create clean lines.
2. Cut into Strips: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. You should have enough dough to make around 12 strips, depending on the dough size.

Step 3: Fill and Twist the Pastries

1. Add Pineapple Mixture: Spoon a small amount of the pineapple mixture onto each strip of dough. Spread it evenly, ensuring it stays in the center of the strip and doesn’t overflow.
2. Twist the Dough Strips: Fold each dough strip in half lengthwise to cover the filling, then twist each strip gently to create a spiral shape. Pinch the ends to keep the twists in place.
3. Egg Wash and Sprinkle Sugar: Place the twists on a lined baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush each twist lightly, then sprinkle with a bit of sugar for extra crunch.

Step 4: Bake the Pastry Twists

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the twists are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Dust with Icing Sugar

1. Once the pastry twists are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Then, lightly dust with icing sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Step 6: Prepare the Rose-Infused Black Tea

1. Boil Water and Steep: Boil water and add black loose-leaf tea and a few dried rose petals to a teapot. Steep for 3-5 minutes, then strain.
2. Serve with Sugar: Pour the tea into cups and add sugar to taste. The floral rose and strong black tea complement the pastry’s sweetness beautifully.

Why This Recipe is Timeless:

There’s something universally appealing about sweet pastries paired with a cup of tea. Across cultures and eras, pastry treats have been celebrated for their versatility and the comforting feelings they evoke. These Pineapple Cinnamon Pastry Twists bring a tropical twist to classic cinnamon pastries, creating a light and refreshing dessert that never goes out of style. Adding rose tea to the pairing adds an extra layer of tradition, as rose tea has been enjoyed for centuries for its calming and aromatic qualities. This pairing is ideal for cozy afternoons, gatherings with friends, or even a quiet moment of self-care.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pineapple Cinnamon Pastry Twists:

• Use Cold Dough: For the flakiest results, keep your pastry dough cold before baking. If it warms up too much, the butter in the dough may start melting, leading to a less flaky texture.
• Prevent Sogginess: Be sure to drain and pat the pineapple dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling, which could make the pastry soggy.
• Choose the Right Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon has a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground varieties. Using fresh cinnamon can enhance the pastry’s flavor significantly.
• Egg Wash Carefully: When brushing on the egg wash, avoid getting it on the edges, as this can seal the layers of the pastry and prevent them from puffing.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.
• Freeze: These pastry twists can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing unbaked twists, lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Reheat Rose Tea: If you have leftover rose tea, store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, being careful not to boil it, as this can alter the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
  Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to chop it finely and remove excess juice. Fresh pineapple can add a slightly tangier flavor.
• Can I use premade cinnamon-sugar instead of making my own?
  Absolutely! Premade cinnamon sugar works well and saves time, though adjusting the sweetness to your taste may still be necessary.
• What can I use if I don’t have rose petals for the tea?
  If rose petals aren’t available, you can substitute with a hint of rose water or skip them altogether. Another option is to add a pinch of dried hibiscus for a floral note.

Conclusion:

These Pineapple Cinnamon Pastry Twists are a deliciously simple treat that brings warmth and a touch of the exotic to your dessert table. The combination of caramelized pineapple, aromatic cinnamon, and flaky pastry is a delight to the senses. Paired with rose-infused black tea, this dessert creates a balanced and refreshing experience that feels like an elegant escape in every bite. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering, with friends, or even solo, this pastry and tea duo offers an experience that is timeless and sophisticated.

One of the reasons recipes like this remain popular is because they’re so adaptable. You can try this with different fruits, spices, or even teas to suit your tastes and seasons. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to celebrate simple ingredients and transform them into something memorable and satisfying.

So, next time you’re looking for a dessert that combines sweetness with comfort, try these Pineapple Cinnamon Pastry Twists with a cup of rose tea. The result is an experience that’s both nostalgic and unique, perfect for making any moment feel special.