Portugal is a land full of hidden treasures. Having said that, one will easily have a new “favourite” every single day. First I got addicted to the coffee, then the Pasteis de Nata, then took the train all the way to Aveiro just to eat its famous Ovos Moles de Aveiro and now I got addicted to a new thing: a treat that usually goes by the name “Doce do Algarve” (The Algarve Candy), sold in Algarve, the south of Portugal.
A few other varieties fall under this Doce do Algarve umbrella, but my favourite is more precisely known as Docinhos do Maçapão, which has some Arab origins and similar treats can be found in North Africa.
The sweet is moulded into various shapes like fruits and birds, and is made with almond, egg whites and sugar with filling made with sweet shredded egg yolk.
Many versions of the story on how the Maçapão made its way to Portugal exist, but one said that it was first introduced to the country in the 8th century, and for centuries was made by the nuns in the convents.
The treat is slightly more difficult to get in Lisbon, but in Algarve, one can easily go to a local pastelaria and get some freshly made ones. Don’t forget to pair it with a cup of nice espresso (café bica)!!!
Babie Rindo 