Have you ever tried Portuguese pastries? If not, you are one of the very few who are missing out! There are approximately two hundred varieties of delectable Portuguese sweet treats to choose from, with many that are rich egg-based custards, some chocolaty, others creamy and several marzipan options. Portuguese desserts can be found all throughout Portugal in coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants; with each village and town specializing in its own pastry. Some popular examples that can be found in our neck of the woods include:
Pastel de Nata (Custard Tarts) – Hands down, the most popular Portuguese dessert in North America is the pastel de Nata. Best served warm, this egg custard tart, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar, is the perfect companion with a cup of coffee or tea. Your biggest obstacle will be trying to eat just one!
Bola de Berlim (Berliner) – This is Portugal’s version of a doughnut, except so much more exquisite. This dessert is an egg yolk-based crème with an outside that is fried and covered with sugar.
Bolo Rei (King Cake) – A traditional Portuguese cake that is typically made at Christmas, it resembles a king’s crown. When families bake this cake, they usually include a little prize within it and whoever slices the piece with the prize has to either bake or buy the next cake the following year.
Arroz Doce (Sweet Rice Pudding) – A Portuguese rice pudding that comes in many variations. Some people make it with a condensed milk, while others don’t and some use eggs, while others won’t. However, all arroz doce are sprinkled with cinnamon once out of the oven for that little bit of something extra.
For a little taste of Portugal, come visit Country Butchers. In addition to offering a full range of meats in their butcher shop, they also have an array of deliciously prepared Portuguese foods made in their own kitchen. Swing by and try out their signature Portuguese barbeque chicken platter available with rice and potatoes as well as their their speciality Portuguese cakes and pastries available fresh, every day. For more, visit them at 2280 Dixie Road in Mississauga.