Celebrating National Pastry Day

It’s National Pastry Day and the perfect time to indulge in some delightful treats that bring back a flood of memories from my childhood. Growing up in Madeira, the aroma of freshly made malassadas and pastel de nata wafting through the house was a sure sign of a celebration.

Let me start by sharing the recipe for traditional Portuguese malassadas – delicious, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying doughnuts.

Malassadas Recipe

Ingredients:

500g all-purpose flour

100g granulated sugar

2 eggs

200ml warm milk

14g active dry yeast

A pinch of salt

1 lemon

Oil for frying

Granulated sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Dissolve yeast in warm milk and set it aside for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

• In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.

• Add eggs and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, combining until a dough forms.

• Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft.

• Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, around 1-2 hours.

• Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).

• Pinch off sections of dough and form them into balls. Fry until golden brown, turning to cook evenly.

• Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. While still warm, coat with granulated sugar.

Now, let's move on to the iconic Portuguese custard tarts – pastel de nata. These flaky, creamy tarts are an absolute delight!

Pastel de Nata Recipe:

Ingredients:

300g puff pastry

250ml whole milk

6 egg yolks

200g granulated sugar

25g all-purpose flour

Zest of 1 lemon

Cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).

• Flatten puff pastry, roll it out thinly, then roll into a swiss roll and sllice 1 finger thick

• Place pastry into muffin molds, wet your thumbs and pressing gently to fill the molds

• In a saucepan, heat milk and cinnamon with lemon peels until almost boiling, then remove from heat.

• In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth.

• Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

• Strain the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.

• Fill the tart shells with the custard mixture.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are blistered and browned.

• Sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.

These recipes not only fill the air with delicious scents but also carry significant memories. For me, these pastries aren't just about their incredible taste; they're about family, tradition, and the joy of coming together.

Watching my mum expertly craft these pastries during family gatherings brings back a flood of love and good times.

So, this National Pastry Day, I invite you to try your hand at making these cherished Portuguese delights. Let's celebrate the joy of pastry-making and create some beautiful memories of our own.

Enjoy every bite and savour the taste of tradition!