Vila Cheese Tarts

The Vila Cheese Tarts (or Cheese Tarts from Vila Franca do Campo) are a typical sweet from São Miguel Island, part of the Azores archipelago, and are named for being traditionally produced in Vila Franca do Campo, commonly known locally as “Queijadas da Vila do Morgado.”

This delicacy has an authentic Micaelense character, highly appreciated by the local population and also by the various tourists who visit the island every year.

Thanks to this enormous success, the production of traditional Queijadas da Vila has been increasing throughout São Miguel Island in recent years, especially after the innovation of resources and ingredients, as well as the growth of regional pastries, making it possible to find more than half a dozen varieties of cheese tarts.

If you are planning to visit São Miguel Island, be sure to try the Queijadas da Vila; you certainly won’t regret it!

History of Vila Cheese Tarts

The history of Vila Cheese Tarts began with the nuns living in the old Convent of Santo André, located in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel. Thus, the recipe created by them is classified as a relic of conventual pastry from the Azores, highly sought after by visitors to the region.

The main ingredients used by the nuns were milk, eggs (especially the yolks), and sugar, which is responsible for the unique texture and wonderful flavor.

For those interested in seeing the production process, visit the factory of Queijadas da Vila do Morgado and enjoy tasting this delicious sweet.

Queijadas da Vila do Morgado

Address & Location on the Map

Rua do Penedo 20
9680-146 Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel

Contacts

Email: queijadosdomorgado@gmail.com
Phone: +351 296 581 183

Watch here

Where to Buy and Price

Currently, the Queijadas da Vila have spread across the island and can be easily found in retail stores or online. The average price for a box of 6 units is €7.99 (reference price at online store). It’s worth it!

How to Make Queijadas da Vila

First, let’s look at the necessary ingredients to make the traditional Queijadas da Vila.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 1/2 tablespoon of lard;
• 1 teaspoon of sugar;
• 1 tablespoon of butter;
• 1 egg;
• 250 g of flour and salt (to taste);

Ingredients for Filling and Topping:

• 1 egg white;
• 1 teaspoon of butter;
• 1 tablespoon of flour;
• 2 liters of milk;
• 250 g of sugar;
• 6 egg yolks;
• rennet (to taste);
• powdered sugar for topping.

Preparation and Cooking

Now, let’s get to work! Start with the filling by heating the milk, adding rennet in the correct proportions, and then cover the container to curdle. Afterward, remove the curds with a cloth and squeeze to eliminate all the whey, forming a dry and fine mass.

Now, mix in the yolks, egg white, sugar, butter, and flour. After mixing, cook over low heat until boiling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before straining through a fine sieve. Store in the refrigerator.

The dough should be prepared the next day. Therefore, take all the indicated ingredients for the dough and knead with a little warm water, forming a dough that can be rolled out. Wrap in a cloth and let it rest.

Using a rolling pin and flour, roll out the dough until it is thin. Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut the dough into circles with a diameter of 12 cm. Each piece that is cut should be left to air on the table. Next, in the center of each circle, place a mound of the prepared filling. With a toothpick, adjust and pull the dough up so that it touches the filling, forming a fluted box.

Finally, around each cheese tart, place a strip of parchment paper about 2 cm high to support the dough (pin it with a pin if necessary). Bake the tarts in a medium oven, and after baking, sprinkle powdered sugar on the surface to give the finishing touch.

Video Recipe

As usual, we share another video by Leonor Santos from the YouTube channel Sabores dos Açores, explaining step by step how to make the recipe for Queijadas da Vila in your own way:

Watch here

Photo Credits