Orange mini cheesecakes

Orange 'Queijadas' are very popular in Portugal. They are mini tartlets, typically made with milk and eggs. I had a go at veganising them, and the result is absolutely delicious! These tartlets are supposed to have a very moist sponge, just a little more consistent than a cheesecake. Super easy to make too, not too…

‘Verlin Valls’

'Berliners' are found a little bit everywhere in the world, with their origin in Germany. In Portugal they are slightly bigger than German ones, and they're usually filled with an egg cream. If you've been to Portugal in the Summer, 'bolas de Berlim' are sold in pretty much every beach. It's strange how a relatively…

‘Azevigans’

'Azevias' are one of many Christmas sweet dishes in Portugal. Is not traditional in all parts of the country, it's mainly eaten in Alentejo. The traditional ones are made with eggs and lard, and is also fried. I had to come up with not only a vegan version but also a healthier type of these…

Queen’s Bun

'Bolo Rainha' and 'Bolo Rei' are typical Christmas sweets in Portugal. I was never a massive fan of either of them. 'Bolo rei' (king's bun) has a lot of crystallised (candied) fruit, which I don't fancy. 'Bolo Rainha' (Queen's bun) has raisins and sultanas (and dried cranberries sometimes) and I really dislike any of these.…

Rice pudding

Rice pudding is eaten a little bit all around the globe and is most likely originated from Asian countries. It was introduced in Portugal many centuries ago from the Indian and Indonesian culture. Our recipe typically has cinnamon in it, and also eggs, thus it is quite yellow. I've made it without the eggs off…

Pumpkin Jam

Pumpkin jam is very popular in Portugal and is absolutely delicious! This is something I don't need to veganise as it does not contains any animal ingredients usually, thankfully! However, I can't find pumpkin jam in England, so, I made it myself! It is easy to make and flavoursome. Some people find it hard to…

Orange Cake

Oh Portuguese oranges...so sweet and juicy! Growing up this was one of our favourite cakes to bake, all we needed to do was to go outside and pick up some oranges from a tree from my grandparent's back garden, next door to us. My grandparents are not there anymore sadly, but the trees are, still…

Vampilhos

'Pampilhos' are a traditional (very) sweet from 'Ribatejo', in central Portugal, where I worked for a few years before moving to England. They were invented about 30 years ago by a baker to represent the farmer's rod used when looking after bulls. The traditional sweet is actually a nightmare for vegans: is not only made…

Pumpkin fluffy treats (filhoses)

‘Filhoses’ are THE Christmas sweet treat for me. It is very popular all over Portugal, with different variations: some make it with carrots and pumpkin, others without pumpkin or with only pumpkin, well… they’re all lovely. The ones I always had since I remember myself as a person are the pumpkin ones. The traditional recipe…

Cream plant juice

'Leite creme' is a fancy Portuguese version of custard and is a very typical dessert served in many restaurants. I wish I could make people understand that no, milk is not a super food (unless you are talking about food for baby calves, in that case, definitely) that its calcium is really not the best…