Guava and Cheese Filling

Guavas are indigenous to the Caribbean, and preferred by Puerto Ricans in many of their traditional dishes. Often guava paste is sliced and served with cream cheese and crackers as a snack in Cuba. It is also a favorite empanada filling, as here. Using guavas in various stages of ripeness gives a complex sweet-tartness to the filling. The natural pectin from the seeds and skin of the guava act as a gel, making it a favorite fruit for marmalades, jams, and jellies. Guava jeily is also a favo