Most Wonderful Time of the Year

#christmas#portugaladventure#holidays#newyear#mostwonderfultimeoftheyear

My apologies. 

Things / life in general has not slowed down yet!

Now we are full swing into the holiday season. 

There's been extra visits with friends and family,  baking and cooking,  concerts leading up to Christmas and the New Year plus just every day living.

I'll be back soon ...  no later than the beginning of the New Year with the rest of our tales about our Portugal adventure.

Wishing everyone a very "Merry Christmas" / "Happy Holidays"!

Looking for Time

#Sanmiguelisland#Pontedelgada#Ferraria#Azores

I know ... I know, it's nearly two weeks since I've posted. 

Everyday life has taken up a lot of my spare time. 

It's another busy week coming up, then I'm hoping things will slow down and I'll be able catch my breath.

And then I will find time to edit my photos taken in San Miguel and write my posts for the balance of our Portuguese adventure.

I'll leave you with some photos from different areas on San Miguel Island.

Not Just Another Coffee Shop!

#boutiquelido#poncha#pasteldenata#portuguesetarts#Funchal#recipe

A favourite spot in Funchal is this quaint coffee shop/ bakery that opens daily from 6 AM to 11 PM.

                              

Our first experience here was one day for a light lunch, a yummy sandwich made on a fresh baked Portuguese bun, a little wine and of course our first authentic "Pastel de Nata" aka custard tart. 

All the bread and pastries are baked fresh daily on site.

It was absolutely the best ... creamy custard filling in a light, flaky phyllo pastry shell.

And I can't forget to mention the aromatic coffees from frothy cappuccinos to espressos.

The owners, managers and staff make this place jump with their bubbly personalities. 

All customers are treated like long time friends, neighbours and as you leave the common saying is "See you tomorrow"! 

And I'm sure many return the next day!

One night the girls decided that we should wear some traditional hats for our photo op.

On our last evening in Funchal we went here for something light for our dinner as we had eaten our main meal for lunch.

 

Elaina and Maryanne were working this shift with their vibrant personalities drawing in the customers.

We were told we should try the "Poncha". 

"Poncha is a traditional alcoholic drink from the island of Madeira, made with distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice, honey, sugar, lemon rind and with different fruit juices according to the version of Poncha, but traditionally lemon juice is used." This is Wikipedia's description.

It is mixed together with a mixing tool created in Madeira called a mexelote.

In Madeira it is said that Poncha cures the common cold and people are encouraged to drink it if they have cold-like symptoms, it's similar to a hot toddy only thing it's served cold.

Here it is made from scratch ... we watched as Elaina made a small pitcher for the two of us.

Poncha for Two

The juice of 1 lemon 

The juice of 1 Orange

1 1/2 ounces of rum could be used in place of the "Aguardente de Cana"

Good plunger of honey 

Put everything in the pitcher and muddle with the wooden stir stick and it's ready to enjoy!

A new refreshing drink that we can recreate and serve to our guests on a hot Summer day! 

 

This is a popular drink when the locals are socializing.

                 

Here we are ready to taste this special drink of "Poncha"...

The "Boutique Lido" Bakery/ Coffee Shop is located at :

Estrada Momumental, 294 -Sao Martinho - Funchal, Madeira.

Thank you Claudio, Maryanne and Elaina for your wonderful service and delicious food and drinks.

And as you say ... See you tomorrow!