portuguese custard cream tarts (pasteis de nata)
When I lived in New Jersey, there was a Portuguese bakery close by. Every Sunday, I would go there to buy fresh Pastelitos de Nata. They were to die for. They just melted in your mouth. There was always a big line to buy them. After moving away, it had been many, many years since I last had them. Well, what luck, a very good friend of mine married a Portuguese girl, and her family came from Portugal to visit. I was able to get this great recipe for this delectable dessert.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
If you can't get to Portugal to enjoy Pasteis De Nata, this recipe will help you make Portuguese custard cream tarts at home. Puff pastry is used for the crust. On top is a rich vanilla egg custard. Its creamy texture is a nice contrast to the savory puff pastry. Vanilla beans add richness and a nice punch of vanilla flavor to the custard. While baking, they puff up but will fall once they cool. We used regular sized muffin tins, but these can be made in mini muffin tins too.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen puff pastry shells or sheets, thawed (17.3 oz)
- 1 cup whole milk, cold, do not use 2% or less
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 stick vanilla bean or good vanilla etract
- 6 large egg yolks
How To Make portuguese custard cream tarts (pasteis de nata)
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Step 1Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 12-muffin cup pan or cupcake pan. Cut circles out of the puff pastry. -
Step 2Line the bottom and sides with the puff pastry.
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Step 3In a saucepan, combine cold milk, sugar, corn starch, salt, and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
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Step 4Place egg yolks in a medium bowl, and beat a little with a fork. Then whisk 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, tempering them.
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Step 5Gradually add the egg yolk mixture back into the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
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Step 6Remove vanilla bean.
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Step 7Fill pastry-lined muffin cups with the mixture, about a tablespoon and a half per cup.
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Step 8Bake in preheated oven for 30 - 35 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and the filling is lightly browned on top.
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Step 9Allow to cool slightly. Remove them and cool on a wire rack.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
