let's know about the delicious realm of Pastéis de Nata,Portugal's famed custard tarts.Uncover their storied past,special recipe,andthe top spots to enjoy them.

Savor the exquisite combination of smooth custard and a crunchy, flaky pastry crust that has made these tarts a global favorite.

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

  - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen

For the custard:

  - 1 cup whole milk

  - 1 cinnamon stick

  - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  - 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  - 6 large egg yolks

  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  - Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F)

1-Start by making the custard. In a saucepan, combine the milk and cinnamon stick. Heat over medium heat until the milk is warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat and let the cinnamon infuse for about 10 minutes. Then remove the cinnamon stick.

2-In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.

3-Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.

4-Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

5-Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the pastry.

6-Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into 12 equal squares.

7-Grease a muffin tin or use non-stick muffin liners. Place each square of pastry into the muffin tin, pressing it down gently and allowing the edges to come up the sides of the tin.

8-Fill each pastry shell with the cooled custard, filling them about 3/4 full.

9-Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set.

10-Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11-Once cooled, dust the Pastéis de Nata with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pastéis de Nata!

Nutritional Values :

Puff Pastry (1 sheet, approximately 8 oz):

  - Calories: 1,000

  - Total Fat: 66g

  - Saturated Fat: 16g

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Sodium: 600mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 88g

  - Dietary Fiber: 4g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 12g

benefits :

  - Provides energy from carbohydrates and fats.

  - Contains a small amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion.

  - No cholesterol or sugars, making it suitable for certain dietary preferences or restrictions.

Whole Milk (1 cup):

  - Calories: 150

  - Total Fat: 8g

  - Saturated Fat: 5g

  - Cholesterol: 25mg

  - Sodium: 100mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Sugars: 12g

  - Protein: 8g

benefits :

  - Good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

  - Contains calcium and vitamin D, promoting bone health.

  - Provides essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 384

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 100g

  - Sugars: 100g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits :

  - Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.

  - Adds sweetness and flavor to the recipe.

  - Moderation is key to prevent excessive sugar intake.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 60

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 13g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 2g

benefits :

  - Contains carbohydrates, providing energy.

  - Contains small amounts of dietary fiber, aiding digestion.

Cornstarch (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 60

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 15g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits :

  - Helps thicken the custard filling, contributing to the desired texture of Pastéis de Nata.

  - Gluten-free alternative for thickening compared to wheat-based flours.

Large Egg Yolks (6 yolks):

  - Calories: 360

  - Total Fat: 30g

  - Saturated Fat: 10g

  - Cholesterol: 1,200mg

  - Sodium: 180mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Sugars: 6g

  - Protein: 18g

benefits :

  - Rich in protein, essential for various bodily functions.

  - Contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

  - Good source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 12

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Sugars: 0.5g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits :

  - Adds flavor without additional calories.

  - May have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Powdered Sugar for dusting (to taste):

  - Calories: 30 (per teaspoon, amount used may vary)

benefits :

  - Adds sweetness and decorative appeal to the finished pastries.

  - Contains fewer calories compared to granulated sugar due to its finer texture.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients.