Hi there! I’m Maria — Portuguese-born, American-based, permanently flour-dusted. I grew up in a small village in Trás-os-Montes, in the north of Portugal, where dinner always began with soup, bread was sacred, and my mother ran the kitchen like the captain of a very delicious ship. Today I live in the USA with my husband, our two children, Sofia and Lucas, and Max — a dog with strong opinions about cheese.
Where my cooking comes from
Everything I know started at my mother’s side, learning the basics of Portuguese cooking: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and patience with anything that simmers. My grandmothers finished the job. One kneaded folares beside a wood-fired oven in Trás-os-Montes every Easter; the other, born and raised in São Miguel in the Azores, handed me warm bolos lêvedos straight off the griddle while telling stories about island life. Their recipes — and their generosity — are all over this site.
Living in America opened my kitchen even wider. Between Portuguese markets in New England, my neighbors’ Mexican family recipes, and friends from Greece to Ghana to Vietnam who have shared their tables with me, this blog grew beyond Portugal — while keeping the Mediterranean firmly at its heart.
What you’ll find here
Mostly, the food I actually cook: traditional Portuguese classics like bacalhau à Brás and caldo verde, Mediterranean favorites from Spain, Greece and Italy, and the occasional adventure further afield. Every recipe is written for American kitchens — cups and Fahrenheit, practical substitutions, and honest notes about what matters and what can wait.
You’ll also find my family in these pages. Sofia is my baking apprentice, Lucas is quality control for anything savory, my husband is the official taste tester, and Max supervises the floor. Cooking, in this house, is a team sport.
Let’s cook together
If you make one of my recipes, I’d truly love to hear how it went — leave a comment on the recipe or write to me through the contact page. Your notes, tweaks and family variations make this site better for everyone.
Thank you for being here. Now — roll up your sleeves, and happy cooking!