Ingredients
1 cup whole milk1 orange zest strip1 lemon zest strip1 whole star aniseCRUST:1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1/8 teaspoon salt7 tablespoons cold butter, cubed5 to 6 tablespoons cold waterFILLING:4 large eggs1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup orange juice1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon vanilla extractFINISHING:1 large egg2 tablespoons water2 tablespoons sugar1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamonOrange zest curls, optional
Preparation
In a small saucepan, heat the milk, orange zest, lemon zest and star anise until bubbles form around sides of pan, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Cool. Cover and steep overnight in the refrigerator.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
Roll out pastry to 1/8-in. thickness; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edge.
Line unpricked pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Fill with dried beans, uncooked rice or pie weights. Bake at 450° for 12 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake 5 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Strain milk mixture, discarding peels and star anise. In a blender, combine the eggs, condensed milk, strained milk, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon and vanilla; cover and process until smooth. Pour into crust.
In a small bowl, whisk egg and water; brush over pastry edge. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until center is almost set. (Pie surface will still jiggle. Custard will set upon cooling.) Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Sprinkle with cinnamon just before serving. Garnish with orange zest curls if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.
