Blejska Grmada with Vanilla Custard

Ingredients

• 6 sheets of filo pastry 6 sheets of filo pastry
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons rum 2 tablespoons rum
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the filo pastry sheets into squares or rectangles, approximately 10x10cm (4x4 inches) in size.
3. 3.
   Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
4. 4.
   In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the saucepan, along with the bean itself.
5. 5.
   Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a splash of cold milk until smooth.
7. 7.
   Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering milk mixture, whisking constantly.
8. 8.
   Continue to cook the custard over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
9. 9.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rum.
10. 10.
    Remove the vanilla bean from the custard and discard.
11. 11.
    To assemble the Blejska Grmada, place a layer of crispy pastry squares in the bottom of individual serving dishes or a large serving dish.
12. 12.
    Pour a generous amount of the vanilla custard over the pastry layer.
13. 13.
    Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of custard on top.
14. 14.
    Dust the Blejska Grmada with powdered sugar.
15. 15.
    Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the custard is set.
16. 16.
    Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Filo pastry — Handle the filo pastry sheets gently to prevent tearing. If the sheets dry out, cover them with a damp cloth while working with them to keep them pliable.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a layer of crushed walnuts or almonds between the pastry and custard layers for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, you can increase the amount of rum in the custard.
• Serve the Blejska Grmada with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Make sure to refrigerate the dessert for the recommended time to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to set properly.
• If you don't have access to filo pastry, you can substitute it with puff pastry sheets, although the texture will be slightly different.

Serving advice

Serve the Blejska Grmada chilled for the best experience. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a fresh mint leaf for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

To create an eye-catching presentation, use individual glass dessert dishes or ramekins to layer the Blejska Grmada. The layers of pastry and custard will be beautifully visible through the glass, enticing your guests.