Oi, Gente! I hope you had the most delicious Thanksgiving, full of good food, good company, and a little bit of rest in between all the cooking. And... I wanted to say I’m grateful for you! Every click, every message, every time you make one of my recipes… it means the world. If you cooked something from the blog or FESTAS yesterday, I hope it turned out amazing and don’t forget to leave a review if you loved it. Your reviews help the blog (and help more people find my food!), and I...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! The weekend before Thanksgiving is here and you know what that means: it’s prep time! If you’re anything like me, this is the weekend for making menu lists, doing all grocery shopping, and getting ahead on anything that can be made now (because future-you deserves to actually enjoy Thanksgiving day 💁🏽♀️🥂). Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just bringing a dish to share, there’s so much you can prep ahead... sides, desserts, drinks, even appetizers, to make the big day way...
21 days ago • 2 min read
Oi, Gente! Celebrating the holidays abroad can be hard. The foods and traditions are different, and sometimes you just want that one bite that feels like home. But it also has its own kind of magic... new friends, new traditions, AND new flavors to love. And that’s where the beauty lies: bringing a piece of our culture to a new table, sharing it with others, and creating something new together. That’s what FESTAS is all about! Helping you bring Brazilian flair to your holiday celebrations, no...
25 days ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Happy Halloween! 👻🎃 Before the fun (and sugar rush) begins, I thought I’d share a few cozy recipes that are perfect for tonight. Something to eat, something sweet, and a little something for the grown-ups to sip while the kids do their thing. Start with my Acorn Squash Salad with Quinoa and Honey-Lime Dressing - it’s hearty and colorful, full of fall flavors, and easy to throw together before heading out. For dessert, Arroz Doce Cremoso, a creamy Brazilian rice pudding that’s pure...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Oi, Gente! Fall is here, which means we can officially turn our ovens back on without regret 😅 And it’s the perfect time to master a killer roast chicken! My Rotisserie-Style Brazilian Chicken is juicy, golden, and packed with flavor. The secret is in the easy marinade: just let it sit for 4–8 hours, then bake it to perfection. Pair it with Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a Sunday family dinner. And since Halloween is just around the corner 🎃,...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
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...
about 2 months 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,...
2 months 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...
2 months 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...
3 months ago • 1 min read