I had a lovely visit this past Easter weekend with my adopted Portuguese family, who were kind enough to give me some nice gifts, edible and otherwise. I thought I’d share them here since Portugal really ought to get more attention on the global food scene, if only for the delicious sweets the Portuguese produce.

The cookies in the picture are called almendrados, and while they might look humble, they are some of the best almond cookies I’ve ever had: simple and very almond-y without being redolent of yucky almond extract flavoring. I’ve tried to make them myself a few times, but they’re just never quite as good as when they come from the Portuguese bakery! The bottoms are coated with an unusual papery substance that I’m told is the same stuff used for the Host in communion (as a heathen, I didn’t recognize this :).

Those little nuggets that could pass for bits of charcoal are from a package of very yummy almonds from Confeitarias Costa Moreira in Porto (whose are reputed to be the best). The nuts are roasted and coated in a dark, burnt-sugar shell - the Portuguese name is amêndoas coberta de sobramesa, which basically means “coated almonds for dessert”, but simply does not do them justice. They’re only available around Easter and are incredibly addictive, so much that it’s bit too easy to consume a whole bag until one’s mouth is numb with sugar overload. I think it goes without saying that I look forward to these every year!

There’s also a cookbook by Portuguese chef Miguel Castro e Silva and a pretty photography book. There are some very tasty-looking recipes in the cookbook that I hope to try soon, like Chestnut and White Bean Soup (sopa de castanhas e feijão branco), Salt Cod with Cornbread Crust (bacalhau com broa), and the famous sweet called toucinho do céu, a tart of sorts which translates to “Bacon from Heaven”.

If that wasn’t enough in terms of gifts, I received my Blogging by Mail package last week! It was from the awesome Gabi of The Feast Within. She was so thoughtful in her package to me, I really cannot thank her enough! Here’s a view:

This is only part of the wonderful things she sent me. In the box was a plethora of uncommon spices like Aleppo pepper, mahlab, Szechuan peppercorn, chile powder, za’atar, and more to tickle my spice-loving tastebuds. There was also a mini liquid measure, a brownie spatula (I really needed one of these!), a citrus juicer, several packets of tasty-looking teas, an adorable first aid kit and burn cream for those clumsy moments (of which I may have a bit too many), homemade toffee, and some cinnamon candy.

But my absolute favorites were a recipe from her great-grandmother for Apple Salad - how wonderful to share this family tradition with me! - and that adorable little rolling pin which Gabi turned by hand on a lathe. Seriously, how freaking cool is that?! Although there was a small postal service snafu in which a couple of items didn’t survive the journey, you can see that this girl was more than kind! I’m so happy at how much care she put into the package to make sure I would love every little thing, and hope we can stay friends as I’ve enjoyed her friendly email correspondence, too. Thank you so much, Gabi!

For more information on the fun little food exchange called Blogging by Mail, check that link on Stephanie’s site, who was our gracious host.

Posted by the cookworm on Thursday, March 27th, 2008 at 9:50 pm.