Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)

Ingredients

Powdered sugar

for dusting

Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

Milk

1 cup

All-purpose flour

2 tablespoons

Granulated sugar

1/2 cup

Egg yolks

6

Puff pastry

1 sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. Lay out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square into the prepared muffin tin, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides to form a cup-like shape.
3. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, flour, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
4. Continually stir the mixture as it heats. Once it thickens and reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the custard to cool slightly.
5. Spoon the cooled custard into the puff pastry cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The pastries are done when the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Allow the pastries to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Before serving, dust the cooled pastries with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar. Enjoy these delightful tarts as they are, or for a truly Portuguese experience, pair them with a strong espresso.