Broas Castelar

Description: They are corn flour cakes, wheat flour, sweet potato, sugar, eggs, almonds, lemon zest and orange. They are elliptical in shape and approximately 8 cm long and 4 cm wide. Almond and lemon and orange zest can be replaced by coconut and orange essence. They can be made on pieces of wafer or, as in the past, on or-ange leaves.

Region: Lisbon and Tagus Valley.

Special feature: Small, elliptical-shaped, elongated and pointed cakes, with a golden color due to the toasted egg yolk frosting.

History: Very old recipe whose origin is unknown and which is typical of the Christmas season.

Use: As a treat and dessert at Christmas time.

Know-how: A sweet is made with sweet potatoes and sugar. Add the grated almonds, flours, zest and eggs and mix everything. Line a tray with wafer leaf, roll out broinhas, brush with egg yolk and bake and toast. Cut the wafer next to the cornbread and, if necessary, pass it through a cloth to give shine to the brushed area.

Source: Produtos tradicionais portugueses, Lisboa, DGDR, 2001