Queijadas, Azores

 August 2019

Queijadas.  Mention that word in the Azores and you’re sure to start a debate about which island, village or bakery makes the best.  These 2 bite sized sweet treats are a feature at almost every café, bar and shop on Sao Miguel, and having sampled my fair share, I’m on team Queijada de Vila Franco do Campo.  Originally made by nun’s at the convent as a use for surplus egg yolks when the whites were used to starch their habits, these crisp, buttery pastry tarts are filled with a soft, almost gooey mixture of milk, egg yolks and sugar, with a texture not dissimilar to frangipane.  Head to Queijadas da Vila of Adelino Morgado and Daughters in Vila Franco do Campo to watch queijadas being made by the Morgado family to the secret recipe, handed down from generation to generation, whilst you enjoy one (or two!).  They also sell boxes to take home so you can stock up when you (inevitably) become addicted to these sugary delights.

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