Florida Cooperative Extension


 Paste may be stored in layers separated by heavy waxed paper,
or in tight tin or wooden boxes, so that no moisture can be taken
from the air.
 Owing to the stiffness of the paste it is important that it be
poured out rapidly, and that as soon as it is emptied from the
cooking vessel it be placed in the mold or spread into a sheet of
the desired thickness on a marble, enamel or china surface. This
surface should be oiled or greased and ready to receive the paste
when it is done. The best grades of oils-those having the least
flavor-are most suitable, but for home use lower grade oils,
butter, or even a good grade of lard may be used. Dry paste as
rapidly as possible. It should stand at least 12 hours before it
is cut.
 Variations in Guava Paste
 Just before removing the paste from the stove, various mix-
tures, nuts, and crystallized citrus fruits may be stirred into it
for the purpose of giving variety to the product. Or immediately
after the paste is poured out, a pecan half or candied kumquat
may be firmly pushed into the mass. After cooling, the paste is
cut around the nut or fruit so that each piece of paste has its
fruit or nut center.
 Dust with powdered sugar, or roll into shredded cocoanut, which
has been slightly moistened with heavy syrup. Dry thoroughly.
Wrap and pack as other fruit pastes. Chopped nuts alone may
be used for a filling.
 A paste loaf or roll may be made by spreading a mixture of
chopped nuts and candied citrus peel, gingered watermelon rind,
preserved figs and other fruit, fondant or divinity on the paste
and then rolling the mass firmly into a loaf, cutting it like a
jelly roll.
 In cutting this candy loaf it is necessary to use a sharp butcher
knife, which should be heated and oiled frequently in order that
the cleavages may be smoothly and easily made.
 For still further variety, the paste may be cut into various
shapes, dried thoroughly and coated with fondant, or with choc-
olate.
 Many attractive and delicious variations may be secured by
the interested and ambitious worker with this best of all fruit
pastes.