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Flaky Blackberry Turnovers

Flaky Blackberry Turnovers: A Delightful Treat

Flaky Blackberry Turnovers

There's something undeniably enchanting about the delicate crunch of a flaky pastry enveloping a sweet, juicy blackberry filling. These homemade blackberry turnovers are a testament to the art of baking, where simple ingredients come together to create an irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, these turnovers are sure to impress with their golden, buttery crust and burst of fresh berry flavor.

Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 to 10 minutes Servings: 12 turnovers

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh blackberries, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Pastry:

  • One cup of cold, unsalted butter, diced.
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preparing the Blackberry Filling:

  1. In a medium bowl, gently combine the fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the berries are evenly coated with the sugar mixture. Set aside.

Creating the Flaky Pastry:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to combine.
  2. Blend the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until it looks like rough crumbs. This process incorporates the butter into the flour, creating layers that contribute to the flaky texture.
  3. Incrementally pour ice water, one tablespoon at a time, into the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough pastry.
  4. Cut the dough in half, cover each piece with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the butter to solidify, ensuring a flaky crust.

Assembling and Baking the Turnovers:

  1. Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out one half of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares or circles.
  3. Place a spoonful of the prepared blackberry filling in the center of each dough square.
  4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
  5. Coat the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg.
  6. Arrange the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the turnovers turn golden and the filling starts to bubble.
  8. Let the turnovers cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. For added sweetness, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfect Turnovers

  • For an extra flaky pastry: Freeze the butter before cutting it into the flour. This will create even smaller butter pieces, resulting in a more delicate and flaky crust.
  • Prevent filling from seeping out: Ensure that the edges of the turnovers are sealed tightly to prevent the juicy blackberry filling from escaping during baking.
  • Short on time? Use store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut for the pastry dough. However, homemade pastry offers a superior flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with fillings: While blackberries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. You can also try different flavor combinations, such as adding a touch of almond extract or cinnamon to the filling.

Serving Suggestions

These flaky blackberry turnovers are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They make a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, or a perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea.

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