Queijadas da Graciosa are a unique and traditional version of the popular Portuguese pastry known as queijadas, originating in the island of Graciosa in the Azores. These are one of the most unique queijadas there are and one of my absolute favorite desserts, because of their truly unique crunchy texture, shape, and wonderful flavor. Just the sight of them gives me joy and it is difficult to just eat one.

*Makes 15 Queijadas*
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
4 cups milk
1 pound sugar
1 tablespoon butter
10 egg yolks
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

For the Dough:
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt to taste
1 eggs
2 teaspoons butter
Water as needed
Flour to taste

Directions:
For the Filling:
1) Make the filling the night before. In a saucepan add the milk and sugar and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for about 1-2 hours until it is reduced and thick.
2) Let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes and then add the butter and cinnamon powder. Mix it together with a spoon.
3) In a bowl separate the yolks from the whites, add the yolks to the saucepan. Mix it well with the spoon.
4) Bring the mixture to a boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid it sticking to the bottom.
5) Turn off the heat and pour the filling into a bowl and set it aside. If finishing the next day place it covered in the refrigerator.

For the dough:
1) In a bowl, place the flour, sugar, and salt to taste.
2) Mix it together with a spoon until it is a smooth and even consistency.
3) Open a hole in the center of the mixture and pour in the eggs.
4) Knead it well and then add melt the butter in a saucepan and mix it in to the dough.
5) Slowly add some water and flour as needed to get the right smooth and even consistency.
6) After the dough is even and consistent, use a rolling pin and a little flour to make the dough very thin.
7) Grease the cupcake pans with butter and sprinkle them with flour.
8) Use a glass to form the dough with grooves into the right shape.
9) Place the dough into greased cupcake pans and then add the filling into the dough.
10) Place it in the oven at 355 degrees fahrenheit for 30 minutes until the queijadas have browned.
11) Take them out of the oven and serve.