Maria Alejandra Rivera has become best known for her pastel de nata. The Portuguese egg tart with a distinctive caramelized top over a silky center all held in a shattering shell is one of the great iconic pastries found around the world. But it’s often hard to get just right. “It’s a delicious, flaky, crunchy puff pastry base with an egg custard filling spiced with cinnamon and citrus,” Rivera said. The baker just opened the Portuguese-inspired Cadinho Bakery & Café in the McKinley Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side of Chicago. Tap on our bio link to read more. —— Photo 1: Pastéis de nata. Photo 2: Clockwise from left — Pastel de Nata con chocolate, pastel de amêndoa, and pastel de coco. Photo 3: Various food and drink items at the newly opened Cadinho Bakery & Cafe (@cadinhobakery). ? Louisa Kung Liu Chu / Chicago Tribune ? Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Maria Alejandra Rivera has become best known for her pastel de nata. The Portuguese egg tart with a distinctive caramelized top over a silky center all held in a shattering shell is one of the great iconic pastries found around the world. But it’s often hard to get just right.

“It’s a delicious, flaky, crunchy puff pastry base with an egg custard filling spiced with cinnamon and citrus,” Rivera said.

The baker just opened the Portuguese-inspired Cadinho Bakery & Café in the McKinley Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side of Chicago.

Tap on our bio link to read more.

——

Photo 1: Pastéis de nata.

Photo 2: Clockwise from left — Pastel de Nata con chocolate, pastel de amêndoa, and pastel de coco.

Photo 3: Various food and drink items at the newly opened Cadinho Bakery & Cafe (@cadinhobakery).

? Louisa Kung Liu Chu / Chicago Tribune
? Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune