Vieira do Minho Cone Wafers

Barquilheres are a century-old speciality of Mosteiro in the municipality of Vieira do Minho. A simple batter of eggs, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon is spread in a buttered iron mould heated beside the fire. Pressure from the iron produces an exceptionally thin sheet, slowly baked until dry and golden.

As soon as it leaves the mould, the still-pliable wafer is rolled by hand into an open cone. It cools into a light, brittle shell with delicately uneven edges. Barquilheres are eaten plain or with honey, quince paste and preserves—pairings that connect the wafer to the harvests and country larders of Minho.