Orange-Almond Pastries – Lite
Description
These light and flaky pastries offer a sophisticated twist on traditional orange desserts. Using butter-flavored cooking spray instead of heavy butter keeps them lower in fat while maintaining a rich, golden finish. The filling combines the bright, citrusy tang of orange marmalade with a hint of almond extract for a complex flavor profile. Served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, they make an elegant yet simple treat for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or a sweet end to a dinner party.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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In a small bowl, combine the orange marmalade and almond extract; set aside.
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Unroll phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying while working.
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Lightly coat one phyllo sheet with cooking spray.
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Fold the sheet in half lengthwise.
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Lightly coat the folded sheet with cooking spray.
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Cut the sheet crosswise into 4 rectangles, each approximately 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches.
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Spread a small amount of cream cheese on the short end of each rectangle.
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Top the cream cheese with 1 teaspoon of the marmalade mixture.
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Fold the long sides of the phyllo over the filling by about 1/2 inch.
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Starting from the filled end, roll the phyllo up tightly in a jelly-roll fashion.
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Place each roll seam-side down on a baking sheet.
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Repeat the process with remaining phyllo sheets, cream cheese, and filling.
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Lightly coat the tops of the rolls with cooking spray.
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Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle immediately with sifted powdered sugar.
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Cool completely on a wire rack.
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Garnish with strips of orange rind if desired and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 653.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14.0g22%
- Saturated Fat 3.2g16%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 537.0mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 76.3g26%
- Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
- Sugars 6.8g
- Protein 12.3g25%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Keep unused phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
For a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure the cooking spray is oil-based rather than butter-flavored.
These pastries are best served the day they are made, as the phyllo can become soggy if stored too long. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Adjust the amount of almond extract to taste; a little goes a long way.