Pastel de Nata Baking Class
With all the tasty treats in Portugal, we wanted to learn how to bake the classic Pastel de Nata!
Logistics:
Throughout TripAdvisor and AirBnB, there are loads of baking or general cooking classes located in every Portuguese city. For us, we had a free afternoon in Lisbon and opted to take a break for the sun to get inside the kitchen.
In my research, I went with a highly rated AirBnB experience in a professional bakery. They had excellent reviews, located near our flat, and we would bake three Natas! It seemed like a great deal for 50 per person!
The Introduction
Firstly, we arrived at the wrong place as Google Maps led us to the cafe in a 5 star hotel. While I didnt want to doubt google maps, it was a bit frustrating but ultimately we arrived at Pastelria Baltha! Immediately, we could smell the baked goods in the front counter and wondered which ones we could try during or after our course!
In our class, there were a total of 10 people. For the kitchen, it seemed like quite a large group, but it worked for the tasks as we were able to sit back and watch the professionals work their magic!
History
Our guide Jao, told us the story of the famed bakery. Going back five generations, the Nata recipe has been handed down until this day. Not only have they been making the Nata, there are countless of other cakes such as the Lisbon cheesecake and “bean” pastry. They worked in three shifts throughout the day - one in the morning to open it, second during the afternoon, and the third around midnight to bake the great goods!
As for the bakery itself, originally founded in the countryside, they opened their first bakery in Lisbon almost two years ago. In the past 5 years, they have won several gold and silver awards for various treats - including the
Nata!!
Taste Test
Before we began our class, Jan offered a few sweets to help our to be hungary stomachs. For our taste buds, we had a delicious Lisbon cheesecake. Not a typical cheesecake, it was very tangy with a wonderful flavor. Next, we tried a vegan “bean” pastry that only has white beans for the sugar. It tasted like the inside of a pecan pie - it was super good!
Kelly preferred the Lisbon cheesecake because she likes a citrus or tangy flavors. Mary Frances and I preferred the bean pastry because we love sugar! Shortly after, we changed into our gear and headed to the kitchen!
The Baking Experience
The Dough
Surprisingly, the dough was relatively easy to make! All we had to make it was mix flour, salt, and water in the mixing bowl. It was even Andrew-proof! As our assist, Kelly, Mary Frances, and I all contributed to the dough as part of our two seconds of fame.
However, to transform the dough into pastry dough is the true Nata challenge. Jao explained the receipes uses vegan margarine and just throws it on the dough. I had no idea how this is also how you made croissants and other tasty baked goods! It was really interesting to see them literally weave the margarine into the dough. For the Nata, we only need to layer it into the dough two times. Even better, Jao used to the industrial roller to show us how the professionals work!
Once it is long enough, we rolled it into two pieces and put it in the freezer to acelllerate the process. Normally, the dough would rise in the fridge for 2-4 hours but we only had 40 minutes!
The Custard
Similar to the dough, the custard process was just as easy! Unlike other Nata receipes, Jao let us into a tiny secret. They use a hint of lemon and cinnamon in their custard! Yummy!
On a hot stove top, we poured milk, lemon, and cinnamon into a pot. While it boiled, we took a quick break and came back to a wonderful smell! Once it was boiling, we added flour and sugar. We were able to whisk this process! Once it was done, we let it cool off and prep the actual Nata molds!
Tip: The custard is finished once you can show lines and you’re done.
The Prep
For the molds, we cut the dough into small pieces and dropped them into the mold. We have to use a special mold as it is the perfect Nata shape. In order to get the classic Nata roll, I pressed the dough in the middle of the mold and then rolled my dough up to the top of the mold. This is to avoid any air bubbles. Unfortunately, we were not the best in the class, but I thought they looked okay!
Once the mold was done, we poured the lovely custard into the mold. After it was done, we were able to lick the bowl! We were really happy with the lemon and hint of cinnamon. We were very happy!
For the bake, it takes 11-15 minutes in the oven at a really high celsius temperature, or 500F. Yes, get ready for a hot oven!!
The Taste
Once we pulled it out of the oven, we were very happy with our bakes! While it would probably not win any awards on Great British Bake Off, we were dying to eat them. However, Jao seemed to criticize each one of my Nata for some flaw…
They were delicious! The crispy pastry dough followed by the warm lemon and cinammon infused custard makes it perfect! In my mind, I thought we could eat all 3 of our bakes, but we could “only” eat two of them! We were very full afterwards!
The UnChartered Summary
- For 50, this experience is not the cheapest option in Lisbon. To learn how to bake the national treasure is priceless. To eat over 5 yummy pastries, it would be fantastic!
- Armed with a original recipe, we are ready for guests! I suppose we will have to submit for a bake off or two!
- Thanks to the class, we are now able to add an unique and tasty flavor to our Nata!