All to die for...

Delightful on the eye and sweet on the tongue... made with almonds, figs or carob, Algarvian desserts leave the faint taste of temptation on the lips.

The region’s legendary almond and fig trees play a leading role in their sweets. The most exquisite includes Dom Rodrigo, made from angel hair; almond  pastry -o (usually decorated with regional motifs and almond-blossom; marzipan, cake of almond paste filled with angel hair and jam made from the Malabar gourd. Figs are the principal ingredient in fig stars, stuffed figs, and the delicious fig cheeses which are formed from fig paste and ground almonds, chocolate, sugar and a ‘secret’ blend of spices. Its famous marzipan sweets in the shape of fish or hens, cut out with scissors, also use a combination of crushed and whole figs.

Throughout the Algarve the Easter tradition of preparing folar (a kind of Easter loaf), continues each year, served at the family table. Other festive fare such as empanadilhas (a kind of pastry stuffed with sweet potato) and Christmas fritters carry on in the same manner.

These mouth-watering delicacies satisfy both body and soul and justify a return trip to the Algarve, if only to savour them once more...