On Tuesdays I will be exploring a new location to satisfy my wanderlust while my feet remain firmly planted on Canadian soil. I’m so excited! I hope you’ll join me in these new adventures.
It’s been way too long since my taste buds have taken a trip. And since I’m currently on a staycation of my own this week, my mind has had lots of time to wander to all those places I have yet to discover.
There is nothing wrong with the backyard pool and some reading time in the hammock, but imagine travelling to Portugal?
I’ve always been intrigued by that place tucked on the west side of Spain that people often don’t make the time to check out on their European tours. Funny, because I hear amazing things about their pilgrim trail, their food, their wine and port…
And their TARTS!
They are actually called pastel de nata and are an egg custard tart. Even if you haven’t travelled to Portugal, you’ve probably tried one of these sweet delights if you live in Canada, the U.S., Australia, France and other countries with large populations of Portuguese immigrants. Here in Toronto, they are quite easy to find and are deceptively easy to make too.
Those one-of-a-kind crispy, flaky shells are actually just puff pastry (store-bought) twisted and layered into tart cups or in this case, muffin tins. The filling is egg custard, also much easier than you think.
In fact, this is a recipe that could absolutely be pulled off by a relative baking newby and with amazingly professional results.
While your store-bought puff pastry is defrosting on the counter, you can whip up the simple lemon vanilla syrup and then move on to the eggy custard, made so easy that the hardest part is whisking the thickening mixture over medium heat for 5-6 minutes. No straining, no double boiler, just added to one pot and mixed until thickened.
Wait a minute–I think I know what the hardest part about these tarts is–waiting until their done to eat them!
Yes, Portugal is on my travel list, but in the meantime, it`s back to the kitchen for me to whip up the next batch of these tarts, that will at least give my taste buds the thrill of adventure. Until next time, happy eating!
Portuguese-style Custard Tarts
Donna Hay magazine, Issue 62
Image from Mrs. Dalrymple
Comments (15)
Ohhhhhh myyyyyyy. Two of my favorite flavors in one tart? Yes please! I’m definitely going to make these. I’d love to visit Portugal too, they seem to have sooooo many things I love. Thank you for the mini vacation! And enjoy your staycation!!
Thanks Sarah–still trying to gear down and fully get into vacation mode…might take a few days.
Being half-Portuguese and all, I am NO stranger to these little treats! Portuguese food is comfort food, no doubt about that. The little round potatoes make every meal a little more fun, too. My mouth is watering now….. time to make a trip to my avoe’s (grandmother’s) house 🙂
I hope I did your grandma proud:) and what’s this about potatoes? I must have the recipe!
Who doesn’t love potatoes?! lol not sure about a good recipe, but here is the google link with some mouth-watering photos and if you decide to try them out, don’t forget to drizzle the extra sauce (grease?) over your round balls of perfection! https://www.google.com/search?q=portuguese+potatoes&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Oh Mel, what have you started?! Thanks so much for sharing and you will hear from me when I return from potato heaven;)
Those tarts look delicious! Love the idea of twisting and shaping the puff pastry for the shells . . . .
I know isn’t that cool? It gives it an interesting texture. It makes me want to learn more about pastry and other things you can do with it….I feel a pie coming on….:)
I’m not sure if you’ve ever considered yourself to be an expat to any of the places you’ve visited (and tasted), but perhaps you have picked up a language while traveling, or met some expats along the way that you can pass this along to: The Expat Poetry & Photography Project wants to invite you to connect with other expats from around the world by taking newly acquired language skills and experiences to the next level! All languages and skill levels are welcome! Poems can be short or long, good or bad. Everyone that submits will receive a badge for their blog, and a permanent blogroll link to introduce new readers to your expat journeys! Please check out the “About” page and spread the word to other expats!
I love this new feature. I have actually been thinking I need to start making some of the food I ate on my travels but I have been far too lazy lately.
That sounds like a great idea–I’d especially like to see real Mexican food–not just the stuff we can buy here in Canada but the really authentic stuff.
Wow these look fantastic! The custard looks like its oozing out of the puff pastry. I have not been to Portugal but I’ve eaten these little treats in Macau and I absolutely LOVE them! I do hope to travel to Portugal…soon enough anyway..
YES Portugal is on my hit list too. I gotta say though, I’m not a custard tart fan. They’re ok…but if it’s up against chocolate, it’s like choosing between Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds, you know? Both great, but HOW can you say no to Reynolds.
Yes, I just compared Ryan Gosling to a custard tart.
Where I spent my teenage years in San Diego, we had a large Portuguese population and I don’t think I quite appreciated some of the things I got to try the way I do now (of course). These look lovely and simple and thank you for letting us use store-bought puff pastry. I feel like I can put these together easily this weekend and eat them one by one as I send my children back to school next week (no sharing)!
Allison
They are so easy! I just made them again the other night (maybe too easy). And may I say, a ginormous Welcome Back! I’ve missed you and hope your summer went well:)