I feel honored to be guest posting today for one of my favorite food blogs, Manu’s Menu! And for this happy occasion, I had to choose something special and close to my heart– something that tastes like childhood: Portuguese custard tarts! Known as Pastel de Nata or Pastel de Belém in Portuguese, these are small tarts made from puff pastry and a rich pastry cream. I hope that this in itself is enough to make you smile!
Although created before the 18th century by Catholic monks in Lisbon, Portugal, these little pieces of heaven quickly became quite popular in several Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Goa, and Macau, under the name of Portuguese Egg Tarts or Pastel de Ovo… as well as in mainland China and countries with significant Portuguese immigration such as Canada, Australia, Luxembourg, the United States, and France, among others. But if you go to Azores, please call them by their proper name there: Queijadas de nata! 🙂
In my home country of Brazil, these Portuguese custard tarts have been a hit for a long, long time… and I grew up enjoying them all year round, sometimes by themselves and sometimes accompanied by a cup of café au lait. As a descendant of Portuguese ancestors, I imagine that it couldn’t have been any other way! But you know what? No matter where you go in Brazil, you will find these tarts in almost every café or bakery – thank goodness! 🙂
Folks, Portuguese custard tarts are so good that they have been designated as one of the 7 wonders of Portuguese cuisine. And The Guardian, the well-known British national newspaper, pronounced them as the 15th tastiest delicacy in the world. Need I say more?
I have a simpler approach… to me, they look like little rays of sunshine, and taste like heaven! I hope that they will for you as well…
Thank you, Manu, for having me here! Despite my crazy schedule, I have the biggest smile on my face since the day that you kindly invited me to guest post for you. Enjoy your trip, and then let us feast our eyes on your gorgeous travel pictures.
xx
For the Portuguese Custard Tarts RECIPE, click HERE.
sallyBR says
My favorite concoction EVER! One that I’ve been meaning to make ever since I tried it in Lisbon, back in 2003…. long time….
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
Wow, puff pastry and pastry cream? I can’t think of anything better! They’re so cute too!
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
Just magnificent! I imagine a plateful of these lovelies would disappear quickly at my house!
Juliana says
Can you believe that I never had this treat? They sure look great Denise…I am going to check the recipe.
Have a great week 🙂
Denise Browning says
Juliana: These are similar to the Portuguese Egg Tarts that the Chinese make. Their treat was inspired in these Portuguese ones.
Rekha says
Oh these really look like little rays of sunshine indeed! going over to check the recipe 🙂
Little Cooking Tips says
As we mentioned in Manu’s menu the best part is that this is a recipe with simple ingredients, easy to follow, you can make those sweet delights very often:) We bet those will be devine with a little spoon sweet (glyko koutaliou) like sour cherry as a topping:)
Can’t wait to try them Denise! We really wonder how can we loose any weight when you post dreamy desserts like this:)
We hope you had a wonderful Easter, ours (the Orthodox one) is this weekend.
Lots of love,
Panos and Mirella
xoxoxo
Denise Browning says
Thank you! Happy Easter for you guys then. xoxo
Daniela says
This sounds like heaven for dessert lovers and it looks amazing too.
Happy Easter, Denise!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Oh, what a terrific looking dish! Off to read the recipe right now . . .
Mi Vida en un Dulce says
Oh…looks so delicate and perfect!!!
Amira says
These look lovely.. something I have to try and for sure will put a smile on everyone’s face.
marcela says
omg. These look so tasty! I love the recipe! Gonna give it a try soon!
Liz says
Oh, boy, these tarts look spectacular!!! I’ll pop over to Manu’s blog to check them out! And I’m excited to guest post for her next week (though I think I’d rather be traveling with her :)). xo
Lily Lau says
These tarts look outrageous! I’ll definitely need to check them out 🙂
Raymund says
I think I have a new favourite cusine for desserts 🙂
Your sweets are just too amazing!
Jill @MadAboutMacarons says
Wow! Great to discover your guest post via Manu’s site, Denise. This looks a super recipe and for macaronivores like myself using many egg whites, I’m kind of obsessed with yolk recipes – and delicious ones too! With 8 egg yolks, I’m a happy baker. Had them in Portugal and get them from specialist Portuguese bakeries in Paris but now I should make my own. Merci x