Cakes in Portugal
If you have a ’sweet tooth’ then you are amongst friends as the ‘Portuguese’ just LOVE their cakes and pastries! On almost every street corner you will find a ‘Pastelaria’ brimming with a delightful array of sweet indulgencies. They are modestly priced too, so you won’t have to stop at just one! Here are just a few on offer.
Pastéis de Nata
Pastéis de Nata or Pastel de Belém is a small cream tart found throughout Portugal’s Pastelarias or cafés. It is believed that it was created before the 18th century by Catholic Sisters at the Jerónimos Monastery (Portuguese Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) of Belém, in Lisbon. Often served sprinkled with Cinnamon.
‘Ovos moles’
‘Ovos moles’, originate from ‘Aveiro’, and is a very sweet egg yolk based speciality, encased in candy and shaped like a fish!
‘Doces Conventuais’
A Similar ’sweet’ cake is called ‘Doces Conventuais’ and are made by the nuns in the Convents!
Tigalades
A Traditional cake from the Ribatejo region of Portugal originates from Abrantes and is called Tigalades.
Pao de Lo
A traditional sponge cake in Portugal is called a ‘Pao de Lo’
Bolo de Rei
Bolo Rei is a sweet bagel like bread with a large hole in the center, decorated with candied fruit and nuts. Traditionally enjoyed on Christmas day through to January 6th to celebrate Christmas and ‘Kings’ Day. Nowadays to satisfy the Portuguese palette for sweet things, Bolo Rei is sold everywhere from late November, and baked daily, well into January. It was first found in Portugal around the 19th century, similar to the French ‘Galette des Rois’. It quickly became popular in in Lisbon and Porto before being enjoyed throughout the country.
Copyright © 2010 Casarosdenportugal.com
