Oi, Gente! Pumpkin season is upon us and that means it's time to make Doce de Abóbora com Coco Brazilian pumpkin compote with coconut. This delicious compote is a rustic sweet with a long tradition in Brazil, especially in Minas Gerais, where homemade sweets are a way of life. It has a delicate pumpkin flavor, sweetened and spiced just right, and it’s full of tender coconut bits! One of my favorite things in the world! Spread it on toast, serve it with cheese, add it to a cheeseboard, or do...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Growing up in Rio in the ’80s and ’90s, Medalhão com Molho Madeira e Arroz à Piamontese (filet medallions with Madeira wine sauce and creamy rice) was the white-tablecloth restaurant classic. It was that “special occasion” meal... the one we ordered for birthdays, anniversaries, or any excuse to make dinner feel like a celebration. If you grew up in Southeast Brazil, you probably already know exactly what I’m talking about: that glossy Madeira sauce over tender steak medallions,...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! I was digging in the freezer last night, trying to figure out dinner, when I stumbled upon a lost jar of apple butter... FROM LAST YEAR! 😳 But guess what? It was still pretty great. SURPRISE! 🎉 So, this morning, we spread it over some bread to enjoy with coffee for breakfast, and it was pure cozy vibes. And tonight we’re shaking it up with cachaça into cocktails because, well… fri-YAY! So if you don’t already have a stash of caramel apple butter hiding in your freezer, this is your...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Some recipes just always deliver... especially when they're simple, comforting, and ready to wrap you up like a hug. For me, one of those is Ensopado de Frango Brazilian Chicken Stew. It’s a humble, one-pot recipe with no frills or fancy ingredients, but full of flavor and heart. This stew has been with me through so many seasons of life 🥹sometimes for comfort, sometimes for convenience because the leftovers feel like a little gift waiting for you in the fridge the next day. Serve...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! The weekend is finally here 🎉 and that’s the perfect excuse to bring a little sweetness to the table. Here in Lisbon, the days are still warm, but those crisp nights and cool mornings are starting to sneak in, and I’m here for it. It’s that perfect in-between season where you can cozy up with something warm and still say yes to a cold, sweet treat. Fall, to me, is all about cozy vibes and indulgences, and nothing does that better than dulce de leche. It’s rich, caramel-y, and...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! In Brazil, batch cooking is just what we do... make a big pot of beans, portion it out, and keep the freezer stocked. Even when I cooked for just myself, this was my way of life. It saved me countless times during my corporate days when I worked long hours and didn’t have the energy to cook from scratch. The beauty of batch cooking is that it’s always there when you need it. Plus, you can mix things up! Just change the type of beans, add or skip sausage, even swap for lentils. And...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Some weeks are just hectic, and when that happens, midweek dinners can feel like a big overwhelming question mark. That’s why my freezer is always stocked with pillowy Almôndegas Meatballs. They’re easy to prep, make a big batch, and freeze beautifully for quick, no-stress dinners. Toss them in store-bought sauce, pour over easy-peasy pasta, and top with a mountain of cheese 👀 if that’s your thing 👀 and dinner is served 🙌🏽 I love how convenient they are, and readers love them...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! This time of the year, depending on where you live, you might still be holding on to summer vibes… or maybe you’ve already started to enjoy that cool breeze calling in all the fall feels. Either way—I’ve got a picanha dish for whatever mood you’re in. Still in grill mode? Fire it up and sear that juicy picanha to smoky perfection. Feeling the shift? Prep it for the oven and let it roast into a cozy, comforting dinner. Which will you choose? Picanha Outdoors: Grilled Picanha Juicy,...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Curious what everyone’s been cooking lately? Whether you're looking for what to grill, or summer sides these trending recipes have captured the attention (and taste buds!) of other readers these past couple of weeks. Check out some of the current favorites... For the grill: Tri Tip Marinade A site fave year round! This tri tip marinade recipe will transform this special cut of beef into something even more delicious. An easy marinade that will not only infuse your tri tip with...
2 months ago • 1 min read