Palha de Abrantes

Description: Egg candy covered with strands of burnt eggs, in the shape of a hedgehog, about 4 cm in diameter. The candy is placed on wafer and presented in beaded paper forms. The candy has eggs and sugar. They are packed by the dozen, in cardboard boxes.

Region: Lisbon and Tagus Valley.

Other denominations: Hedgehogs.

Special feature: Round cake with the appearance of a hedgehog, the thorns being made of egg threads.

History: Tradition has it that the name «Palha de Abrantes» is associated with the river movement that once animated the Tagus. Abrantes was a port of stop in the supply of, among other products, straw bales for the capital's draught animals. Thus was born the quote of «if you want straw go to Abrantes». It is common sense that this product has its origin in the convents of nuns in the city, namely the Convent of Graça, of the Dominican Order. It is considered a «must» for those who go to Abrantes to taste the regional sweets, of which the most famous is this one.

Use: Used as a dessert, it can be consumed at any time of the day.

Know-how: Egg threads are made with half of the eggs and set aside. Then, soft eggs are made until they gain the desired consistency. On the wafer are placed small quantities of these soft eggs that are cov-ered with mounds of egg threads. They are taken to a hot oven to toast.

Source: Produtos Tradicionais Portugueses, Lisboa, DGDR, 2001