Pasteis de Nata: Portuguese Egg Custard Tarts

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 12 large circles or 24 small circles. Press circles into muffin tins, making sure to leave an indent in the center.
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and flour. Gradually whisk in milk until mixture is smooth, then cook over medium heat until mixture thickens and boils, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla extract. Pour mixture into pastry shells, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until pastry is golden brown and filling is set. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from pan.
5. Dust with cinnamon before serving.

Serving suggestions:

These sweet and creamy tarts are best served warm, with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or as a dessert after a dinner party. They can be stored in an airtight container for a few days but are best eaten fresh.

Verdict:

Pasteis de Nata are a traditional Portuguese pastry and are loved all over the world. These tarts have a crispy and flaky puff pastry crust with a creamy and sweet egg custard filling. They are a perfect balance of flavors and textures and are sure to impress your guests. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results that will keep everyone coming back for more.