Whoa. Just whoa. That's how we're going to describe these turnovers. It's National Cherry Month, so go out and find some fresh cherries—any variety, even sour cherries will do—and make these turnovers as soon as possible. The sweet, tart bite of the cherries paired with the sweet, creamy goat cheese will blow your mind. Make them for a fancy breakfast or a simple dessert, serve them warm or cold, just make them soon. One bite and you'll say, "Whoa."
Cherry and Sweet Goat Cheese Turnovers
2 sheets puff pastry
1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, washed and pitted
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
zest of 1 lemon (divided in half)
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup goat cheese
1/3 powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 egg, beaten plus 1 teaspoon water
coarse sugar
Directions
In a medium saucepan, stir the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and half the lemon zest together. Allow to sit for 15 minutes with no heat, then turn on heat to medium and stir frequently until mixture comes to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes and remove from heat to cool completely. In a mixing bowl, beat goat cheese, powdered sugar, cream, and remaining lemon zest together until light and fluffy.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Thaw puff pastry and roll out flat, then cut into four even squares. Place a generous tablespoon of goat cheese mixture onto the middle of each square topped with 2 tablespoons of cooled cherry mixture. Fold pastry over the mixture to form a triangle, then press the edges closed with the tines of a fork. Place turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush egg/water mixture over each triangle, then poke the top with your fork in three places to allow steam to escape. Finally, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top of each turnover and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown.
HINT: If you can't find fresh cherries, use your favorite canned cherry pie filling instead.
