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Visiting Braga during the Romana Festival

5/25/2023

I just got back from a few days in Braga, located in the north of Portugal to visit my friend Christie. If you'll remember I visited her in Tavira in March and Lagos in April. She's here on a 90 day tourist visa and has been a month in each place.

We had a great time exploring the town ... and of course, the obligatory photo in front of the Braga sign.

There was even a re-enactment of a Roman festival called Braga Romana, where they relive the time when the city was part of the Roman Empire. Braga actually used to be named Bracara Augusta. It seemed like the whole town was involved and really gets into character.

Trying on (and eventually buying) my flower crown for the festivities.

There were parades, fire dancers, re-enactments and lots of vendors.

Bom Jesus do Monte

Visiting Bom Jesus do Monte is a must for anyone planning a trip to Braga, Portugal.

Bom Jesus do Monte is a monumental hilltop sanctuary and a popular tourist attraction. The sanctuary is one of the most majestic sacred hills in Europe, dominated by a huge stairway that combines three architectural styles: Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical.

The site is also known for its zigzagging stairs dedicated to the five senses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can climb the almost 600 steps to reach the stunning Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte and enjoy a fabulous view of the city of Braga.

Instead of walking up all of those steps, we rode the funicular up to the top of the mountain.

The funicular was inaugurated on March 25, 1882 and is the oldest funicular in the world moved by water counterbalancing, loading water into the car at the top of the hill, weighing it down so it descends to the bottom, at the same time drawing the lighter, drained car up the hill, where the process starts all over again. Here's a time lapse of our trip up.

The gardens were absolutely gorgeous!

The Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte

The Basilica of Bom Jesus do Monte is a significant example of Portuguese neoclassical architecture, designed by the great architect Carlos Amarante. The interior of the temple features a Latin cross plan, with a well-lit nave, a transept with chapels, a deep chapel, and a galilee. The Bom Jesus chapel, housing the image of the Agonizing Lord and the Lady of Sorrows, is located on the left side of the nave. On the right side, there is the sacristy, adorned with portraits of its benefactors. The main facade of the basilica is inscribed with significant historical details, such as the date of the laying of the first stone.

The sanctuary was built on a spot where hermits had settled from the 14th century onwards and has been rebuilt and extended over the centuries.

Additionally, the sanctuary offers a panoramic restaurant, an esplanade, a cave with a small lake.

The best time to visit is when the place isn't crowded, and there are several practical amenities available, including coffee shops, toilets, and hotels nearby. The sanctuary is easily accessible from Braga via public transport or organized tours.

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Keto Cheesy Bacon Onion Rings

5/24/2023

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These baked keto cheesy bacon onion rings are super crispy, easy to make and are a fraction of the carbs of their deep fried breaded counterparts.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Onions, a great source of fiber and a powerful prebiotic food, can be Keto-friendly if used in moderation. One cup of raw onion contains 12.4 g net carbs. These Keto onion rings are low in carbs.

Keto Cheesy Bacon Onion Rings
Yields 6 onion rings

Ingredients:
1 medium large red onion (or onion of your choice)
1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded cheese (I used a Mexican blend)
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Peel your onion and cut into ½ inch slices and separate into rings.
Spritz your donut pan with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Now sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese into your donut ring.
Add a raw onion ring on top of your shredded cheese
Sprinkle chopped bacon and parmesan cheese.
Now completely cover onion with more shredded cheese.
Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
Remove from oven. Place on paper towels to let cool.
Top with chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator (for up to 5 days) or in the freezer (for up to 6 months). Reheat in microwave. I started with 10 seconds and then consecutive 5 second increments to find the right level of warmth.

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Sweet Breakfast Tart Shells

5/15/2023

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The crust on these tarts is made from rolled oats, chia seeds, flax seeds and unsweetened shredded coconut. They're sweetened with honey and dates! You can fill them with Greek yogurt and top with whatever kind of fruit you want.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Sweet Breakfast Tart Shells
Yields 6 tarts

Ingredients:
5 dates (I used Medjool)
4 Tablespoons raw honey
2 teaspoons coconut oil
1 cup gluten free rolled oats
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon flax seeds
2 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
Coconut oil spray

Directions:
Remove the seeds from the dates. Soak dates in water for 10-20 minutes until softened.

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.

In a food processor, process the dates with the honey and coconut oil until a paste is formed.

Add in the rolled oats, seeds, cinnamon and shredded coconut. Process until the mixture forms a dough texture. Divide into 6 equal dough balls.

Lightly grease individual pans (or you could use muffin pan) with coconut oil spray. Press each dough ball into the pan, shaping it into small tart shells.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shells are lightly browned on the edges.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Top each breakfast tart shell with yogurt, fruit, and nuts! Enjoy!

Here's some of the ways I've filled my tart shells.

Yogurt with berry coulis and fresh berries.

Yogurt with kiwifruit and berries.

Yogurt with sliced banana, dried cherries and granola.

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Day Trip to Monserrate Palace in Sintra

5/13/2023

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The Palace of Monserrate (Palácio de Monserrate) is one of the many palaces in Sintra, a historic town about 40 minutes outside of Lisbon, Portugal. It's located 3.5 km to the west of the historic center of Sintra.

Although it’s not as visited as the famous National Palace of Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and National Palace of Sintra, this palace is definitely worth a visit!

A Brief History

When Sir Francis Cook, a wealthy English merchant, purchased the Quinta de Monserrate in 1863, all that was left was the ruins of a neo-Gothic castle, built by Gerard de Visme.

The Viscount of Monserrate, a title bestowed on Francis Cook by King D. Louis, started to work with the architect James Knowles The Palace became the summer residence of the Cook family.

The Palace

The design was influenced by Romanticism and Mudéjar Moorish Revival architecture with neo-Gothic elements. The eclecticism is a fine example of Romanticism present in Sintra in other palaces.

A beautifully carved three-dimensional door leading into the library.

The Grounds

The palace terrace leads out into the grounds of the property. It is designed in a romantic style with a lake, several fountains, grottoes, and is surrounded by lush greenery.

The Gardens

Flowers are one of my favorite things, and the many types of flora in the gardens didn't disappoint. I had quite a lot of fun photographing these. Check out the slideshow below.

How to Get There

Once you arrive in Sintra, exit the train station and turn right. You can catch the 435 tourist bus (departs every 20 minutes between 9:30am and 7:50pm in the summer, and 9:30am and 6:10pm at other times of the year) or the 1253 local bus (follows a circular route around western Sintra, and the journey to the Cabo da Roca).

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

The Palace of Monserrate is open every day, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. The last ticket sold at 5:30 pm and the last entry is at 6 pm.

As for the Park of Monserrate, it’s also open every day, but from 9 am to 7 pm. And both the last ticket and entry are at 6 pm.

Adults Ticket (18-64 years old) costs €8, while the Youths Ticket (6-17 years old) costs €6.50. There’s also a Seniors Ticket (for people over 65), at the same price as the Youths Ticket, as well as a Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 young people) for €26.

Tickets can be purchased online at Parques de Sintra to receive a 5% discount of above prices.

Info as of May 2023. Be sure to check their website for any updated hours/pricing.

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Roasted New Potatoes with Feta

5/12/2023

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Roasted New Potatoes with Feta are a simple side dish for any meal. Roasted baby red potatoes coated with tangy feta cheese and thyme, chives and scallions.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Mother's Day (in the United States) is this coming Sunday, so I thought I would share this beautiful, tasty side dish. But it's easy enough to make that you can make it for dinner parties and your guest will be super impressed or for an easy weeknight meal.

Roasted New Potatoes with Feta
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds new potatoes, quartered
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 sprigs thyme, leaves picked and chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 Tablespoon chives, chopped

Directions:
Turn the oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat while you prepare the potatoes.

Toss the potatoes with the oil and thyme on a baking sheet and season liberally with salt and pepper.

Roast the potatoes until golden brown and crisp on the outside but fork-tender on the inside, about 18-20 minutes.

Transfer to a large bowl and toss with the feta, green onions and chives.
Serve immediately.

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Visiting Braga during the Romana Festival

Keto Cheesy Bacon Onion Rings

Sweet Breakfast Tart Shells

Day Trip to Monserrate Palace in Sintra

Roasted New Potatoes with Feta

Linda Roisum

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