Natas do Ceu "Cream From Heaven"

Recipe by Paula.

The Portuguese have very colourful names for their desserts. For example this favourite dessert of mine is called Natas do Ceu which translates to "Cream from Heaven".  You know what? The name is perfect. One bite of this delicious and simple combination of lemon, cinnamon & vanilla egg cream, mousse and crumbled Maria cookies and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. Enjoy!

Serves 6

Ingredients:

Egg Cream:

6 egg yolks, beaten

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 cup sugar

1 lemon rind

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 vanilla bean
1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Meringue:

6 egg whites

2 tablespoons sugar

Whipped Cream:

2 cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 tablespoons sugar

1 package (roll) Maria cookies, crushed

Directions:

1. In a bowl, beat egg yolks until frothy. In a saucepan over medium high heat, add milk, sugar, lemon rind and cinnamon stick. Using a small sharp knife, split the vanilla bean lengthways, then scrape the seeds from inside the bean with the back of the knife. Add the seeds and bean to the pan. 

2. Scald the milk then slowly add milk to the egg yolks, whisking the eggs constantly. Return the milk/egg mixture to the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium. Stir constantly until the egg/milk mixture thickens. Remove lemon rind, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean from the saucepan. Pass egg cream through a fine sieve into a bowl. Stir in butter until incorporated and let it cool.

3. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in a large clean bowl until they form stiff peaks. Slowly add 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until the mixture (now meringue) is very thick and glossy.

4. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream and vanilla. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of sugar and whip until you get very stiff peaks. Be careful not to over whip the cream or it will become butter.

5. Fold the meringue into the whipped cream, a little at a time and slowly so as to not deflate the mousse mixture.  Chill this mousse until you’re ready to assemble.

6. To assemble: In individual serving glasses or a large serving bowl, add a layer of the crushed cookies, followed by a layer of mousse. Repeat with another layer of cookies and mousse. Smooth the top layer of mousse with the back of a spoon. Top the mousse with the egg cream. Chill for at least 4-5 hours before serving.