Michael’s mom with bread and mint

“Is it the bread-soaked-in-meat-juice holiday?”

Such is the uncomely moniker I once used when Michael and I would receive the invitation to gather with his family, including an extended family of neighbours and friends, in early May. Not knowing much about the Portuguese Festa do Espirito Santo, or Festival of the Holy Spirit, I simply equated it ...
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Pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts)

I say “natas”; you say “custard tarts.” We’re both right and they’re one of the simplest, most delicious pastries around. You’ll find a little history behind this popular sweet and tasting notes on natas from some Toronto bakeries in my “A Tart for All-Comers” piece published over at TasteT.O. this ...
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Caldo verde, traditional Portuguese soup

Among the many things my partner, Michael, has brought into my life, an introduction to Portuguese cooking is not one of the least important. Had I not the opportunity to share in his cultural heritage, it’s likely I never would have ventured beyond takeout churrasco chicken from the joint down the street from ...
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