The Rissole Lady

Some interesting facts:

The origin of the Pastel de Nata is a historical masterclass in zero-waste culinary engineering. In 18th-century Portugal, monasteries used massive quantities of egg whites to starch religious habits and clarify local wines. This process left an enormous surplus of egg yolks. To monetize and utilize this byproduct, the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém developed a dense, high-fat custard that would become the country's most iconic pastry.

The physical structure of the tart relies on an extreme textural contrast. The outer shell is constructed from a tightly coiled, laminated puff pastry (massa folhada) specifically designed to shatter upon biting. This crisp, buttery fortress acts as a vessel for a rich, heavy custard base made entirely from egg yolks, milk, and sugar syrup, often infused with subtle notes of lemon peel and cinnamon.

The defining characteristic of a true Pastel de Nata is achieved through aggressive thermal shock. The tarts are baked at exceptionally high temperatures, forcing the sugars in the custard to rapidly expand, blister, and scorch. This creates a signature caramelized, blackened skin that protects the warm, semi-liquid center.

Thank you to all my wonderful clients for your Easter orders and for supporting my small business.

I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. May your Easter be filled with love, family, happiness, and plenty of delicious food.

Happy Easter! 🐣💛

Tried something new this week after a client asked for vegan pastéis de nata… and the feedback made my day! 🌱✨

She said they were the best pastéis de nata she has ever tasted.

Vegan or not, these delicious Portuguese custard tarts are creamy, flaky, and absolutely irresistible.

Now available to order!
If you’d like to try them for yourself, send me a message to place your order.

Another set of customized platters created for a special birthday this weekend.🎂
If you’re planning an event and would like a platter designed to suit your occasion, feel free to message me for more information!!