Portuguese Coconut Custard Tarts - Pastéis De Coco

This rich little dessert is a cross between a custard and a macaroon. Adapted from David Leite, leitesculinaria.com

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 10 tarts

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1  cup milk, whole or 1  cup  low  fat
• 1  cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 3  large eggs
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  lemon extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  almond extract (optional) or 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Adjust the rack to middle position. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with 10 paper cupcake liners.
2. Dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup of the milk. Set aside.
3. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade chop the coconut flakes for 30 seconds, or chop well by hand.
4. In a large mixing bowl, stir the eggs and sugar together with a wooden spoon. One by one, add the cornstarch mixture, remaining milk, coconut, melted butter and lemon and other extract, stirring well after each addition.
5. Ladle the custard into the paper cups, filling to 1/4 inch from the top. (NOTE: Make sure to stir frequently to keep the coconut well distributed.)
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the coconut is nicely toasted. Cool completely in the tin before serving.