Costrada

Costrada is a traditional dessert originating from Alcalá de Henares. This classic dessert consists of sheets of puff pastry that are filled with pastry cream and meringue. The whole thing is topped with chopped almonds and icing sugar, then baked for a short while in order to roast the almonds and dry the outer meringue.

Costrada was first made by two famous local confectioneries called Salinas and El Postre, but both of them are closed now. This dessert can be found in most of the city's restaurants. Before serving, it should be well-chilled, and when served, it's best to accompany the pastry by a cup of coffee on the side.