HOW TO PREPARE PASTEL DE NATA.

Pastel de Nata, also known as Portuguese custard tarts, is a beloved treat that originates from Portugal. The tarts have a flaky pastry filled with a creamy custard and a slightly caramelized top. Here’s a basic recipe for you:

Ingredients:
For the pastry:
230g (1 sheet) puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Melted butter (for brushing)
For the custard:
250ml (1 cup) whole milk
1 cinnamon stick
2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
Lemon zest from one lemon (use large strips, not grated)
4 egg yolks
50g (1/4 cup) sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour)
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Molds:

Preheat your oven to 260°C (500°F).
Lightly grease a 12-hole muffin tin with melted butter.
Prepare the Pastry:

Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle.
Starting at one end, tightly roll the pastry into a log.
Cut the log into roughly 1-inch slices.
Place each slice, cut side down, in the prepared muffin tin. Quickly flatten them with your fingers to cover the bottom and sides of the tin.
Prepare the Custard:

In a saucepan, combine the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Warm over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest from the hot milk.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Assemble:

Pour the custard into the pastry-lined muffin tin, filling each almost to the top.
Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are caramelized and the pastry is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Transfer the tarts to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
These are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but you can also sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Pastel de Nata with a cup of coffee or tea!