Pork Chops with Lemon, Basil, Capers & Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

InstructionsBrown the PorkSeason pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Brown chops about 3 minutes per side.
Remove and set aside.
Build the SauceIn the same skillet:

• Cook onion until softened.
• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
• Stir in tomatoes and chicken broth.
• Add capers, olives, oregano, lemon zest, and half the basil.

Simmer 5 minutes.
Finish the DishReturn pork chops to the pan.
Spoon sauce over them.
Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
Stir in lemon juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
ServeTop with remaining basil.
Serve with rice and broccoli exactly as shown in your photos.
Garnish with lemon wedges.
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Housed inside the stunning Palácio Ribeiro da Cunha, this 19th-century Neo-Moorish palace has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind cultural and shopping experience celebrating Portuguese creativity, craftsmanship, and design. Since opening as a commercial gallery in 2013, it has become one of my favorite places to recommend to visitors looking for something uniquely Lisbon.

Before you even browse a single shop, take a moment to simply admire the building.
The ornate horseshoe arches, colorful stained-glass windows, carved woodwork, decorative ceilings, and intricate tile details make it feel like you've wandered into a palace from another era. Every room reveals another architectural surprise, and it's hard not to stop every few minutes to snap another photo.

Even if you have zero interest in shopping, Embaixada is worth visiting just to appreciate the incredible architecture.

Visit in the morning or late afternoon when the palace is a little quieter. Bring your camera—you'll probably end up taking just as many photos of the architecture as you do of the shops.
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And don't forget to look up! Some of the most beautiful details are above your head.

One of the things I love most about Embaixada is that it isn't filled with international chain stores.

Instead, you'll discover carefully curated boutiques showcasing Portuguese fashion, jewelry, home décor, cork products, ceramics, gourmet foods, beauty products, and handcrafted gifts. The gallery was created specifically to highlight Portuguese brands, designers, and artisans.

If you're searching for a souvenir that actually feels special—not something mass-produced—this is the place.
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Whether it's a beautifully crafted leather bag, handmade jewelry, artisan soaps, or locally designed clothing, you're supporting Portuguese businesses while bringing home something you'll truly treasure.

One of my favorite things about Lisbon is discovering places where you don't feel rushed.
Embaixada invites you to slow down. Browse the boutiques at your own pace, admire the architecture, relax in the courtyard, or stop for a coffee or a drink before continuing your day. It feels more like wandering through an elegant historic home than visiting a shopping mall.
That's exactly what makes it so memorable.​

After your visit, spend some time exploring Príncipe Real, one of Lisbon's trendiest neighborhoods. You'll find gardens, charming cafés, independent bookstores, antique shops, boutique hotels, and some of the city's best viewpoints—all within a short walk. It's one of those neighborhoods where it's fun to simply wander and see what you discover around the next corner.

Lisbon has plenty of famous attractions, but sometimes it's the unexpected discoveries that become your favorite memories. For me, Embaixada is exactly that. It's history, architecture, shopping, art, and Portuguese culture all wrapped into one unforgettable stop.

Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir, a rainy-day activity, or simply a beautiful place to explore, add Embaixada to your Lisbon itinerary. You might just find it's one of your favorite hidden gems too.

Avocados have been cultivated for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests they were first grown in south-central Mexico more than 7,000 years ago. The word "avocado" comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word āhuacatl.
Today, avocados are grown in many warm climates, including:

• Mexico (the world's largest producer)
• California
• Florida
• Peru
• Chile
• Spain
• Portugal
• South Africa
• Australia
• New Zealand

The most common variety you'll find in grocery stores is the Hass avocado, recognizable by its dark, pebbly skin and rich, buttery texture.

Avocados have become incredibly popular because they're both delicious and nutritious.
They're packed with:

• Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Fiber
• Potassium (even more than bananas!)
• Folate
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• B Vitamins

Unlike many fruits, avocados are naturally low in sugar and incredibly satisfying, making them a favorite for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks.

Make Homemade Guacamole
Nothing beats fresh guacamole.
Simply mash ripe avocados and mix with:

• Lime juice
• Diced tomatoes
• Onion
• Cilantro
• Jalapeño (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.

Upgrade Your Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is popular for good reason.
Try topping it with:

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Cherry tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Smoked salmon
• Sliced radishes
• Poached or fried eggs
• Microgreens
• Chili flakes
• Pumpkin seeds

Every combination creates a completely different meal.

Add It to Salads
Sliced avocado instantly makes almost any salad richer and more filling.
It pairs especially well with:

• Mixed greens
• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Black beans
• Corn
• Strawberries
• Citrus fruits

Blend It Into Smoothies
Avocado creates an incredibly creamy smoothie without changing the flavor very much.
Try blending:

• ½ avocado
• Banana
• Spinach
• Almond milk
• Greek yogurt
• Honey
• Ice

Make Stuffed Avocados
Cut an avocado in half and fill the center with:

• Tuna salad
• Chicken salad
• Egg salad
• Quinoa
• Salsa
• Black beans

It's an easy, healthy lunch.

Grill It
Yes—you can grill avocados!
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Brush halved avocados with olive oil and grill for just a few minutes. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with tacos and grilled meats.

Use It Instead of Mayo
Mashed avocado makes an excellent substitute for mayonnaise on:

• Sandwiches
• Wraps
• Burgers
• Chicken salad

It adds creaminess while providing healthy fats.

Choosing a ripe avocado doesn't have to be difficult.
Look for:

• Slightly soft when gently squeezed
• Darker skin (for Hass varieties)
• No large dents or mushy spots

If it's still firm, leave it on the counter for a few days to ripen.

Need it faster?

Place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple overnight. The natural ethylene gas speeds up ripening.

Nobody likes brown avocado.
To slow browning:

• Sprinkle with lemon or lime juice.
• Leave the pit in if storing half.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container.
• Refrigerate promptly.

Even if the top layer browns slightly, simply scrape it off—the avocado underneath is usually still perfectly good.

🥑 An avocado tree can produce hundreds of avocados each year.
🥑 Avocados don't ripen until they're picked from the tree.
🥑 There are hundreds of avocado varieties grown worldwide.
🥑 Mexico produces roughly one-third of the world's avocados.
🥑 The Hass avocado was patented in 1935 by California mail carrier Rudolph Hass after he discovered the unique variety growing in his backyard.

National Avocado Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy one of the healthiest and most versatile foods available. Whether you're whipping up a bowl of fresh guacamole, trying a new avocado recipe, or simply adding a few slices to your favorite sandwich, there are countless delicious ways to celebrate.
So grab a perfectly ripe avocado, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy every creamy bite. 

Happy National Avocado Day! 🥑 ​

Believe it or not, cheesecake is much older than most people realize. Historians trace its origins back more than 4,000 years to ancient Greece. Early versions were made with simple ingredients like cheese, honey, and wheat, and were even served to athletes during the first Olympic Games.

When the Romans conquered Greece, they adapted the recipe and spread it throughout Europe. Centuries later, European immigrants brought their own cheesecake traditions to America.

​Everything changed in 1872 when New York dairyman William Lawrence accidentally invented cream cheese. That happy accident eventually led to the rich, smooth cheesecake we know and love today.

One of the best things about cheesecake is that there isn't just one kind.
Some popular varieties include:

• New York Cheesecake – Dense, rich, and made with lots of cream cheese.
• No-Bake Cheesecake – Light, creamy, and perfect for hot summer days.
• Japanese Cheesecake – Soft, airy, and almost soufflé-like.
• Basque Burnt Cheesecake – Famous for its caramelized top and creamy center.
• Ricotta Cheesecake – An Italian favorite with a lighter texture.
• Fruit Cheesecakes – Topped with strawberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, or lemons.
• Chocolate Cheesecake – A dream dessert for chocolate lovers.

If you're making your own cheesecake, a few simple tricks can make a big difference.

• Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, which can add too much air.
• Bake slowly at a moderate temperature.
• A water bath helps prevent cracks.
• Chill the cheesecake for several hours—or even overnight—for the best texture.
• Fresh fruit, chocolate ganache, caramel, or whipped cream all make wonderful toppings. 

The best way to celebrate is simple: enjoy a slice!
You might:

• Bake your favorite family recipe.
• Try a new cheesecake flavor you've never tasted before.
• Visit a local bakery or café.
• Host a cheesecake tasting with friends.
• Share your favorite cheesecake recipe with family.

Since it's National Cheesecake Day, I'm sharing some of my own favorite cheesecake recipes here on the blog. Whether you're looking for something classic, fruity, or a little different, I hope you'll find one that becomes a new favorite.

​There's something wonderfully comforting about cheesecake. It's a dessert that's equally at home at birthdays, holidays, dinner parties, or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon.
So however you celebrate today, I hope you treat yourself to a delicious slice.

​Happy National Cheesecake Day! 🍰

Nestled atop one of Lisbon’s famous hills, Jardim do Torel offers an oasis of calm with sweeping views over the city and the Avenida da Liberdade. This hidden park is perfect for a lazy afternoon, with benches, a small café, and a shallow pool that transforms into a sunbathing spot for locals on warm days. You can bring a picnic, take in the cityscape, and enjoy the relative quiet away from the bustling city center.

While it might seem unusual to visit a cemetery, the Cemitério dos Prazeres is worth the stop. Established in 1833, it is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric cemeteries, known for its intricate mausoleums and famous residents, including Portuguese artists, politicians, and writers. From here, you’ll also find one of the best views over the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the Tagus River—a sight that’s especially haunting at sunset.

Located within Parque Eduardo VII, Estufa Fria is a lesser-known botanical gem housing tropical plants, water features, and sculptures. The "cold greenhouse" is a serene space featuring lush greenery and exotic plant species from around the world, providing an immersive nature escape. The temperature is kept cool through clever shading, making it a pleasant place to wander, even during the summer.

While Lisbon’s viewpoints are famous, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one that remains somewhat hidden. It’s the highest viewpoint in the city, offering panoramic views without the usual crowds. This miradouro, located in the Graça neighborhood, provides breathtaking views over the castle, the river, and the iconic red rooftops of Lisbon. It’s especially magical at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle below.

Recommended Products - Each design is available on a variety of products from shirts to mugs in my RedBubble store. Just click on the photo to be taken to that sales page. Thank you for your support.

An iconic but often overlooked treasure, the Rua Augusta Arch is a triumphal arch that stands proudly at the northern end of Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio. Originally built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the devastating 1755 earthquake, this grand structure is adorned with statues of historical figures, such as Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal, and symbolic allegories representing Glory, Valor, and Genius.
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Most visitors admire it from below, but the true gem lies in the experience of climbing to the top. For a small fee, visitors can take an elevator up to the terrace, where they’re rewarded with sweeping views of downtown Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. From this unique vantage point, you’ll see Lisbon’s lively streets and the geometric patterns of Praça do Comércio stretching out below. It’s the perfect spot to capture the city's charm in a photograph and gain a new perspective on the beauty of Lisbon’s architecture.

Tucked away in Lisbon's elegant Príncipe Real neighborhood, Palácio Ribeiro da Cunha is one of the city's most enchanting hidden gems. Built in the late 19th century, this striking Neo-Arabian palace stands out with its intricate Moorish-inspired architecture, decorative arches, colorful details, and fairytale-like appearance. It's easy to walk right past it without realizing you're looking at one of Lisbon's most unique buildings.
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Today, the palace has been beautifully restored and houses the Embaixada Concept Store, a collection of Portuguese boutiques showcasing locally made fashion, jewelry, home décor, art, gourmet products, and handcrafted souvenirs. Even if you're not planning to shop, it's worth stepping inside to admire the ornate interiors, stained-glass windows, carved woodwork, and elegant rooms that have been carefully preserved.

After exploring the palace, take some time to wander through the charming streets of Príncipe Real. The neighborhood is known for its boutique shops, trendy cafés, beautiful 19th-century buildings, and the nearby Jardim do Príncipe Real, one of Lisbon's loveliest gardens. Whether you're searching for unique gifts, appreciating remarkable architecture, or simply looking to experience a quieter side of Lisbon, Palácio Ribeiro da Cunha is a destination you won't want to miss.

​One of Lisbon's best-kept secrets isn't marked on most tourist maps—and it's hiding inside a Benetton clothing store in the heart of Baixa-Chiado.

Step inside the Benetton store opposite the famous Café A Brasileira and take the modern elevator to the fourth floor. As you walk toward the back of the building, you'll discover a beautifully restored historic elevator dating back to 1888. With its ornate ironwork, decorative wood details, and elegant craftsmanship, it's a fascinating glimpse into Lisbon's architectural past and one of the city's oldest surviving elevators.

Although the antique elevator is no longer in operation, it has been carefully preserved as a small piece of living history. Best of all, it's completely free to visit, and because it's tucked away inside a retail store, very few tourists even know it exists. After admiring the elevator, head to the nearby windows for wonderful views over the rooftops of Chiado before continuing your Lisbon adventure.