São Jorge Aguardente Rosquilhas

São Jorge Rosquilhas de Aguardente are small ring-shaped biscuits made with eggs, flour, sugar and local aguardente. Their technique matters as much as their formula: once shaped, the rings are first boiled in water, scored all around and only then transferred to a very hot oven. The cuts open as they bake, creating an irregular, crown-like surface and a tight crumb wholly unlike a fried doughnut.

Nor should they be confused with Pico Rosquilhas, which are large yeasted sweet breads. On São Jorge, aguardente and the two-stage cooking method define a festive biscuit in its own right: dry, aromatic, durable and made to be shared.