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Foods of the Azores

by Deolinda Maria Avila
Copyright 1977 Deolinda Maria Avila

To purchase copies of Foods of the Azores Islands contact:
Deolinda Maria Avila
P.O. Box 60237
Palo Alto, California 94306-0237
(or email Deolinda at: deolinda_avila@email.msn.com)

Editorial taken from Foods of the Azores Islands:
Introduction by Deolinda Maria Avila written in 1977

In this century of the Bicentennial, all Americans like to contribute to this special occasion. The Portuguese people, and along with them, the Azoreans, have contributed to help make what America is today, and will continue to do so.

A thought comes to mind. Azoreans are Portuguese, but their ways of living are different from the main land, and so is their cooking. For this reason, I have put together a book with good, delicious foods that Azoreans remember and miss....especially when they find themselves in faraway lands. Most of these recipes have been passed from one generation to the other by word of mouth.

The Azores are composed of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 900 miles west of the Portuguese coast. Each island is different in shape, in size and in ways of living. Cattle, fish, cheese, butter, wine, sugar and a variety of fruits are some of the products that are exported.

All of these recipes were handed down to me from family and friends....all good cooks. And so to everyone of you, hoping you will enjoy all of these good and tasty foods, from the famous "Fish broth of Pico" to the desserts and liquors of the islands, here are "Foods of the Azores Islands".

Review from Diana's Desserts:

I haven't had much experience with Azores Islands foods, but now that I have this wonderful little book, I am going to try many of Deolinda's great and delicious sounding recipes. I will definitely try some of the desserts that Deolinda includes in her book.

Here are just a few:

The Po De L:
A very light yellow cake (sponge type cake). It is a bakery staple in the Azores and you see them in pastelarias (pastry shops) everywhere, with their baking parchment serving as wrappers. Portuguese women use Po De L as the foundation of a huge repertoire of sweets. Portuguese children are content just to eat chunks of the cake out of hand.

Arroz Doce:
A sweet rice with cream; lemon zest added to the sweet rice and ground cinnamon sprinkled over the top. I love rice pudding, so this is one I'll definitely try soon.

Queijadas de nata:
Little pastry tarts filled with a combination of whipping cream, lemon rind, eggs and sugar.

"I know that you will enjoy Deolinda's cookbook of Azores Islands foods. I received my copy a few weeks ago, and I have been fascinated with these authentic Azorean recipes".........Diana

Click Here For A Recipe From This Cookbook