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I love trying new foods, especially when I travel. At the end of each year, I try to do a blog post detailing what I ate and where. This is that post. I hope you enjoy it.  **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.** Alcobaça  While exploring the charming town of Alcobaça, I had the pleasure of trying Osso Buco for the very first time at a restaurant called Pratu's Restaurante—and it was unforgettable. This beautifully presented dish featured a tender cross-cut veal shank, slow-braised until it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The rich, glossy sauce was deeply flavorful, pairing wonderfully with the marrow center (yes, I tried it!) and the medley of perfectly roasted vegetables. I especially loved the little artistic touches on the plate—the vibrant carrot and beet purées added both color and flavor. It felt more like fine art than just a meal. I can now say Osso Buco is officially on my list of comfort-food favorites! Lisbon At Tasco Force in the Alvalade Barrio, I stepped out of my culinary comfort zone and tried bochechas de porco—braised pig cheeks—and I’m so glad I did. These slow-cooked morsels were tender and rich, served in a vibrant, deeply flavorful tomato-based sauce that tasted like it had been simmering for hours. The dish was comforting, rustic, and full of bold Portuguese flavor. It might sound adventurous, but it was one of the most satisfying bites I had in 2025!  Pimentos Padrão at Tasco Force 🌶️✨ Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most addictive—like these Pimentos Padrão I enjoyed at Tasco Force. These small green Padrón peppers were blistered to perfection in olive oil, sprinkled with flaky salt, and served with a creamy dipping sauce on the side. Slightly smoky, tender, and just the right amount of heat (with the occasional surprise spicy one!), they were an ideal snack or starter. I could’ve eaten the whole bowl myself, but I was sharing with two friends and I was nice and shared. :) Sintra  At Incomum by Luís Santos in Sintra, I discovered the rich, buttery magic of Azeitão cheese—and I’m officially hooked. Served warm over a bed of sautéed mushrooms with a delicate balsamic glaze and crisp greens, this creamy sheep’s milk cheese was perfectly seared to golden perfection. The contrast of textures and earthy, savory flavors made this simple dish feel indulgent and unforgettable. Portugal knows how to do cheese. It was hands-down one of the most memorable cheese dishes I’ve ever had! Viana do Costelo  Bolo de Berlim is one of Portugal’s most iconic pastries, a sweet cousin of the German Berliner. German immigrants brought the recipe to Portugal in the 19th century, but the Portuguese quickly made it their own. Instead of the jam filling found in Berliners, they used their signature doce de ovos—a rich, golden egg custard that reflects Portugal’s deep convent-sweet tradition. Made from soft, yeasted dough, fried until golden, and rolled in sugar, Bolo de Berlim is simple yet indulgent. The creamy custard tucked inside adds a uniquely Portuguese flavor that sets it apart from its German origins. Today, you’ll find them in bakeries and even sold by beach vendors all across Portugal, but many say the ones in Viana do Castelo are truly special. Famous for their light texture and generous filling, they’ve earned a reputation as some of the best in the country—a must-try when visiting the region. Recommended Posts
 **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.** Winter Solstice: The Ancient Celebration of Light ReturningAs the days grow shorter and winter wraps the world in crisp air and cozy evenings, something magical happens — the Winter Solstice arrives. Each year around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. But the Winter Solstice isn’t just an astronomical moment — it's a turning point. A reminder that even in the darkest times, the light always returns. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have celebrated this day with rituals, feasts, fires, and hope. Today, we honor the season with twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and festive traditions — many rooted in ancient solstice celebrations.  A Bit of HistoryThe word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium, meaning “sun stands still.” After this day, the sun begins its slow climb back toward longer, brighter days — a cycle ancient peoples watched closely. Stonehenge, England Thousands still gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise align perfectly with the ancient stones — a ritual that has likely taken place for more than 4,000 years. Imagine standing in the early morning frost, watching beams of sunlight slip through massive stones just as people did millennia ago.  Photo Credit - clasmerdin.com Newgrange, Ireland Older than Stonehenge and even the pyramids, Newgrange — a prehistoric monument — fills with light at sunrise on the Solstice, illuminating its ancient inner chamber. Only a few people witness it in person each year, chosen by lottery! Saturnalia, Ancient Rome Around this time, Romans celebrated Saturnalia — a joyful festival honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. It included candle-lighting, gift-giving, feasting, and public merriment. (Sound familiar? 🎁)  Yule, Norse & Germanic Traditions Yule logs, evergreen decorations, and feasts trace back to pagan traditions celebrating rebirth, resilience, and nature’s cycles. Evergreens symbolized life surviving winter — a promise spring would come again.  Modern Ways to Celebrate the SolsticeMany of us celebrate without even realizing it — with lights, cozy foods, gatherings, and greenery. But if you'd like to honor the Winter Solstice more intentionally, try: ✨ Lighting candles or a fire 🌿 Decorating with evergreens 📖 Reading or journaling by candlelight 🥣 Enjoying warm, nourishing seasonal foods 🎶 Playing calm winter music 🌅 Watching sunrise or sunset 💛 Practicing gratitude and setting intentions for the new season Even something as simple as a quiet walk — noticing bare branches, crisp air, and winter birds — can feel like a connection to ancient rhythms. Do You Celebrate the Winter Solstice? I’d love to know — do you mark this day in any special way? Drop your traditions, memories, or thoughts in the comments 💛 Wishing you warmth, peace, and hope this Solstice ✨ Recommended Posts
When the air turns crisp and the holiday lights begin to twinkle, there’s one timeless treat that warms our hands and hearts — hot cocoa. And what better day to indulge than National Hot Cocoa Day, celebrated every year on December 13! Whether you're curled up overlooking a breezy winter coastline or cozying up in your favorite chair at home, a steaming cup of cocoa is pure comfort. Let’s sip, savor, and celebrate this rich, chocolatey delight!  **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.** 🌟 A Little History in Every SipHot cocoa has been warming souls for centuries. Its origins trace back to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who enjoyed a very different version — a bitter, spicy chocolate drink used in ceremonies and celebrations. It wasn’t until the 1500s that cocoa traveled to Europe, where sugar and milk transformed it into the sweet treat we adore today. By the 19th century, hot cocoa became a beloved winter beverage, soothing chilly evenings and uplifting spirits through festive seasons. Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate: Did You Know?Although often used interchangeably, hot cocoa and hot chocolate aren’t quite the same:
💡 Fun Ways to Enjoy Hot Cocoa
🍵 Cozy Recipe: Creamy Cinnamon Hot CocoaGive this cozy recipe a try — perfect for a festive morning or holiday movie night! Ingredients:
 Join the CelebrationHow will you enjoy National Hot Cocoa Day?Are you a marshmallow person? Peppermint? Dark chocolate all the way? Let me know your favorite hot cocoa style in the comments — and cheers to staying warm, joyful, and a little extra sweet today! 💕 Recommended Posts
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Linda RoisumTraveller, chief taste-tester and food finder and retired expat living in Lisbon, Portugal. Archives
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