Mini Toasted Coconut Custard Tarts -- Tuesdays with Dorie

This Tuesday we got the chance to make an amazing Toasted Coconut Custard Tart, picked by Beryl of Cinemon Girl, thank you Beryl! I am a huge coconut fan, but don't use it that often because my husband hates it. Now that the kids are getting a little older and developing their own tastes, it's fun to try recipes with ingredients that I personally like but haven't made in a while because picky husband doesn't like. All three little ones loved these coconut tartlets, and I did too!

It took me a while to decide on which tart pan to use, and I finally picked my new Chicago Metallic square tartlet pan. I ordered this online and when it arrived, I thought the squares looked almost too small, but they really are just right for a single serving and the squares are extra cute with their fluted edges. My three year old son was excited when mommy got out the new pan, and promptly told me that pan would make neat brownies. I was impressed with his interest in the pan, and he really won me over when he said, you could make mini square pizzas in there! What a great idea from my budding chef.

The tart dough is a winner, I've made it many times, and love the nut variations. I decided to use macadamias in these and it was perfect. Love that extra buttery crunch they gave the tartlet shells. I do always end up adding a little water to the tart dough recipe to make it easier to handle, and it hasn't failed me yet!

The custard for this recipe comes together like most of the other custard based pies or tarts we've tried, the prep for this one reminded me of the banana cream pie and the chocolate tartlets we also made with TWD. I used to be so afraid of egg based custards, as I hate anything eggy, but I've really learned to trust Dorie with these and have not been dissapointed. No eggy flavor at all with these, even though you use six yolks.

I did make a slight ingredient change in the custard and used skim milk instead of whole milk and I do not think that made one bit of difference. It's plently rich from the yolks and butter, and thickened perfectly thanks to the cornstarch, no need to make a special purchase of whole milk.

I really enjoyed this pick, it was great to share a favorite dessert of mine with my little sweethearts, even if picky husband wouldn't have any :)