Delicious Mary Berry'S Portuguese Tarts: A Must-Try Recipe!

Mary Berry's Portuguese tarts are a delightful treat that brings the rich flavors of Portugal to your home kitchen. These creamy, sweet tarts with a crisp, flaky pastry shell are an iconic dessert that has gained popularity worldwide, thanks in part to their portrayal in cooking shows and cookbooks. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is one you will want to add to your collection. Let's explore how to make these delicious tarts step-by-step!

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What Are Portuguese Tarts? 🥧

Portuguese tarts, or "Pastéis de Nata," originated in Portugal and are known for their creamy custard filling topped with a caramelized layer. They are often served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar, making them an irresistible dessert option. Mary Berry’s twist on this classic recipe allows you to experience these heavenly pastries right at home!

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Ingredients Needed 🥚

To make Mary Berry's Portuguese tarts, you'll need the following ingredients:

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Milk</td> <td>300 ml</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Heavy cream</td> <td>200 ml</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Granulated sugar</td> <td>200 g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>5 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vanilla extract</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ground cinnamon</td> <td>1/2 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Puff pastry</td> <td>1 roll (ready-made)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Butter (melted)</td> <td>50 g</td> </tr> </table>

Important Note: Be sure to use high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your tarts. Fresh eggs and pure vanilla extract can make a significant difference.

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🍽️

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe!

1. Prepare the Pastry 🥐

1. Roll out the puff pastry: Start by rolling out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. The goal is to create a thickness of about 3 mm (1/8 inch).

2. Cut the pastry into rounds: Using a round cutter (about 10 cm in diameter), cut out circles of pastry and place them in a muffin tin or tartlet pan. Gently push the pastry into the molds, ensuring it covers the sides well.

3. Chill the pastry: Place the filled tin in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the pastry maintain its shape while baking.

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2. Make the Custard Filling 🍮

4. Heat the milk and cream: In a saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.

5. Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until combined.

6. Combine the mixtures: Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture while continuously whisking. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a smooth custard.

7. Fill the pastry cases: Carefully pour the custard filling into each pastry shell, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for the custard to puff.

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3. Bake the Tarts 🔥

8. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).

9. Bake the tarts: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the custard is set. The top should have a few golden spots.

10. Cool the tarts: Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

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Serve and Enjoy! 🎉

Once the tarts have cooled, they are ready to serve! Dust them with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience.

Important Note: These tarts are best eaten on the day they are made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

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Conclusion 🍰

Mary Berry's Portuguese tarts are a delicious way to bring a taste of Portugal to your kitchen. With their crispy pastry shell and creamy custard filling, they are sure to impress family and friends. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these tarts are a must-try recipe that you will want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients and get baking – you're in for a treat!