A Bella Queijadinha de Barcelos

Also known as: Barcelos Queijadinha

A white star of almond, preserved fruit and family memory.

Origin: Barcelos — Confeitaria Salvação, around 1900
Region: Barcelos
Season: Year-round

Sweetness

Richness

Difficulty

A Bella Queijadinha de Barcelos is a delicate sweet shaped either as a five-pointed star or a short cigar. A thin wafer encloses a soft filling of almonds, preserved fruit, fresh white cheese and egg yolks; after baking, each piece is dipped in a white coating of sugar and egg white.

Its dry, faintly crisp shell contrasts with a moist aromatic paste marked especially by preserved orange. The historic name distinguishes the speciality created by Confeitaria Salvação from other queijadinhas made in the region.

Ingredients

almonds
preserved fruit
fresh white cheese
egg yolks
wafer
sugar
egg whites

Taste & texture

Sweet and almond-rich, with citrus notes from preserved fruit, a soft centre and a thin crisp wrapper.

Variations

The two traditional presentations are a five-pointed star and a cigar shape; similar sweets may appear simply as Barcelos queijadinhas.

Where to try it

Look for it in Barcelos, especially at the historic Confeitaria Salvação and traditional Minho confectioneries.

Pairs well with

Espresso or a lightly scented black tea.

History

The speciality appeared around 1900 at Confeitaria Salvação in Barcelos, and its recipe was passed orally through five family generations. The confectionery itself dates to the nineteenth century: local tradition links the Salvação name to proprietor Manuel Joaquim Duarte Ferreira, who was known to swear on his salvation that the sweets came from the latest batch.

Sources: tradicional.dgadr.gov.pt

Pastries from here — The North

Sweet Vermicelli

Alféloa

Amarantinos

Vieira do Minho Cone Wafers