D'alma press in HOOK magazine!

I chose to place an ad in HOOK magazine because for years I've admired the high quality of it's content and because it reaches a great audience in the lower Hudson Valley region.  I was honored when they asked to feature two of my pieces for their Spring 2016 issue.

To view the entire issue of HOOK magazine click on:

http://janet.uberflip.com/t/96864-hook 

You can see more D'alma for spring 

by clicking on my logo to the right.

Wishing everyone out there...

PORTUGUESE COMFORT FOOD

January in New York has been very cold so far and Sunday was the perfect day to whip up a comforting casserole dish with my left over salted cod.  My rendition is a combination of two classic Portuguese dishes- Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa and Bacalhau com Natas. The ingredients are simple (cod, potato, onion, garlic, egg, light cream, olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper & nutmeg) and it really took no time to make. Served with a crisp glass of vinho verde, I sat by the fire and treated myself to a homey meal that instantly transported me back to my beloved Portugal and memories of cooking alongside my mom.   

I called her as soon as I poured myself a second glass...

A D'alma Wish

WISHING EVERYONE 

A VERY HAPPY 2016 FILLED 

WITH PEACE, HEALTH, LAUGHTER AND LOVE!

THE CHRISTMAS EVE MENU BEGINS WITH COD

The salted cod is cut and soaked first in water for about 2 days prior to using.


Bolinhos de bacalhau (mini cod cakes) are an absolute must especially on Christmas Eve when fish dishes reign supreme. I grew up making them with my mom and it's now a tradition I continue with my own daughter.  I love them and lucky for me she does as well.  As soon as they're out of the fryer she insists on eating the first one on the tray. Actually, once everyone starts to arrive on Christmas Eve I start frying them right away so it's generally the first hot hors d'oeuvre I serve up. No sooner am I removing them with a slotted spoon from the pan and placing them on the platter do they start to disappear.  This is why I try to make a big batch in hopes of having leftovers...but rarely do I ever have them.  Time to buy more for New Years Eve!

Great Memories

I've decided to highlight the remainder of my Portugal trip rather than blog day by day.  I must do this as I find that time is quickly getting away from me and the holidays are fast approaching.  I've been very busy in the studio (much has inspired me) and will have lots to share with you all soon.  

I hope that you've enjoyed hearing about my amazing journey as much as I've enjoyed telling it.
Thank you to my kids and dear, dear husband for their love and support because without them this trip could never have been possible, to my parents for their constant love, generosity and graciousness and to my dear friend Leigh for her friendship and enthusiasm during this memorable time that we shared.  After being around me and my parents in our country environment for a few days she said that she can now can see why I'm the person that I am and all that has attributed to me being that way.  Thanks Leigh, what an amazing compliment that I'll always cherish!

Viana do Castelo - 
Santa Luzia basilica & the view down to the Lima River Valley

Fresh seafood  = An amazing Mariscada dish 

(paired with the great Palacio da Brejoeira Alvarinho wine)

Valença do Minho (my birthplace!)

 Views from the old fortress part of town with Tui, Spain 

looming in the background.

Ponte de Lima - 

A sleepy town nestled along the banks of the Lima river.  

The pedestrian bridge dates back to Roman times and Saint Anthony's church from the 15th century.  On a rainy day the "oldest town in Portugal" was hauntingly beautiful.

The Antiques Flea Market along the sycamore tree lined 

Avenida dos Platanos where I find all of my treasures!  

Our final Sunday meal out in Ponte de Lima

(the perfect ending to the perfect trip!)

Pataniscas de Bacalhau - as opposed to the traditional 

"bolinhos de bacalhau" cakes made with cod and potato, 

these fluffy fritters are made with cod and flour and they 

absolutely melted in our mouths!

        

Arroz de Sarrabulho (the regional blood sausage dish shown in the center) with roasted and braised pork, chestnuts and potatoes, white rice and salad paired with a regional full bodied red wine.

Minho Region - Day 2 morning

Barçelos

This 20 foot sculpture welcomed us into the town!

The token figure of Portugal (the cockerel) can be see throughout the country in every tourist and non-tourist shop and outdoor market from north to south. Why?, you ask, is this animal so relevant? Well in Portugal, legends are a key part of it's traditions and this one in particular reigns supreme!

  

We visited Barçelos (an interior river town about 40 minutes south) on it's weekly market day (Thursday) which is well known for its' crafts and ceramics.  In my opinion, it's the best northern outdoor market that I have been to and it gives anyone visiting Portugal a great depiction of how lively and colorful a market day can actually be.  Here everyone converges to buy staples for the week and to catch up on the latest gossip.  Stall sellers yell at every turn trying to entice the passerby to take something home from their selection, whether it be the juiciest quince apples from the region or the best local red clay pottery...and even a colorful ceramic cockerel.  As touristy as they are they always make me smile. 

 

                  

After the market we climbed to the top of the medieval tower which has been turned into a folkloric art museum and gallery.  

Dozens of regional ceramic designs from local artists were on display inspiring me to build more one of a kind pieces when I return to my studio.  Also on display were festival masks and dozens and dozens of versions of that beloved national symbol.

 The view from the top of the tower overlooking 
the town market in the park and square.  

We said good bye to Barçelos after a much too quick morning, heading north on the local road to Viana do Castelo.  

Those adventures to follow very soon...