Mean Green pesto

Mean Green pesto

Ingredients Serves 4:

  • 2 small heads of broccoli, chopped into a rice-like consistency
  • 80ml olive oil
  • 375g orecchiette
  • 45g slivered almonds or pine nuts
  • Basil 30g, mint 16g & flat parsley 24g leaves (you will find these in our herb garden behind the house)
  • 2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest 
  • 60ml lemon juice
  • 80g finely grated parmesan
  • Toppings to your liking: we like cherry tomatoes, bacon & chicken
  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

Preparation

  • Step 1 place half of the olive oil into a non-sticky frying pan over medium heat & fry the broccoli rice 3-4 mins – make sure it keeps it vibrant green colour. Set aside.
  • Step 2 make the pesto – mix the other half of the olive oil, parmesan (keep some for topping), mint, basil & parsley, pine nuts, lemon zest & juice (you can use the moulinex available at the house for this).
  • Step 3 cook the pasta in a large pot & preserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid before draining it.
  • Step 4 – combine all the ingredients in the large pot – pasta, some cooking liquid, pesto & cooked broccoli – add extra liquid if needed – top off with parmesan & your favourite toppings!

September 2, 2024

Live like a local in Caldas da Rainha

Live like a local in Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha is just a 20 min ride away from the house & has a lot to offer (besides driving by Obidos on the way over).

We love going to this little city to enjoy the daily market at Praça da Frutas to stock up on local fruit & vegetables.  There is a lovely lady & her son who sell the best strawberries & tomatoes somewhat halfway the market place, we never miss this stop!  A perfect way to also learn some Portuguese words, but even if they do not understand you, Portuguese are super friendly. ☺

After strolling over the market, head over to the top of the market place to buy some olives or delicious granola at Loja Azeitonas Do Oeste.  You cannot leave this place without strolling thru the streets & shop some local art at Sr. Jacintho or beautiful clothes at Hava Concept Store.  Close of your stroll with a a coffee at Pastelaria Baia with a sandwich or a Pasteis de Nata on your way to the Parque Dom Carlos where the kids can play, hire a little boat on the lake or visit the botanical gardens!

June 12, 2024

Not just another surfing day

Not just another surfing day

There are endless things to do in the area, but surfing should definitely be on your list!

Plan an early morning class with Global Surf School near Praia de Molho l’Este… it’s a small beach just next to the Praia de Supertubos where experienced surfers have contests… the waves look small, but don’t be mistaken they will require focus & it will be great fun! 

After a couple of hours in the waves, you can head over the Xakra, a nice beach bar where you can enjoy delicious sea food among the locals with an amazing view over the sea, sipping a caipirinha.  The kids can play in the sand while you eat & drink! Top off your day with a stop at one of our favorite multibrand surf shop 58 Surf in Ferrel on the way home.

May 12, 2024

Vacation recipes – Fluffy pancakes for a perfect breakfast

Vacation recipes – Fluffy pancakes for a perfect breakfast

Nothing better than starting the day with a delicious breakfast! These pancakes by @DonnaHay are easy to make & will be loved by young & old!  Ingredients are easy to find in the little mini mercado at walking distance from the house!

This recipe makes 12 pancakes.

Ingredients:

  • 200g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 55g super fine caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 250ml milk
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 40g unsalted & melted butter

Preparation

  • Step 1 Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a big bowl and mix to combine, using a whisk.
  • Step 2 Melt the butter & let it cool.  Mix together with the whisked egg & milk.
  • Step 3 Mix the dry & wet ingredients together & whisk into a smooth batter.
  • Step 4 Heat a large non-sticky pan over medium heat & spoon in 3 small amounts of batter, cook for 1-2 mins on each side until lightly brown. 
  • Step 5 Serve with some maple syrup, Greek yoghurt or ricotta & berries or mango.

April 12, 2024