Almost French Pastry Cracker Dessert Food

SWEET BASTELA

Steps:

• In a heavy saucepan, heat the milk and sugar to scalding.
• Whirl the eggs in a blender while slowly pouring in the hot milk.
• Add the vanilla and cinnamon.
• If the custard doesn't thicken enough to coat a spoon, return it to the pan and reheat it gently, stirring constantly until it thickens. If it should curdle slightly while thickening, blend it again.
• Refrigerate the custard.
• Using a 7-8 inch plate as a guide, cut 2 circles from each sheet of filo.
• On buttered baking pans, stack the filo sheets, four sheets to a stack, brushing every second sheet with melted butter.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the filo is golden brown.
• Assemble the bastela. Begin with one pair of filo circles. Spread all of the jam over this bottom layer of filo and sprinkle on a few chopped almonds.
• Add another pair of filo circles, some almonds, and some of the egg custard.
• Continue to layer the filo, almonds, and custard until all of the ingredients are used.
• End with a pair of filo circles.
• Sprinkle the pastry with confectioners' sugar, cut it into 6 wedges and serve immediately.

FROZEN ORANGE DESSERT

Steps:

• Wash and dry orange.
• Slice off the top third of the orange and replace it.
• Put the orange in the freezer until frozen. Take it out of the freezer at the start of your meal and it will be ready to eat with a spoon by the end of the meal. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of fresh mint if desired.