The Queijadas da Vila (or Queijadas de Vila Franca do Campo) are a typical sweet from the Island of São Miguel, in the Açores archipelago. They get their name from being traditionally produced in Vila Franca do Campo, and are popularly known locally as “Queijadas da Vila do Morgado”.
This delicacy has an authentic São Miguel characteristic, highly appreciated by the native population and also by the many tourists who visit the island every year.
Thanks to this immense success, the production of traditional Queijadas da Vila has been increasing throughout the Island of São Miguel in recent years. This is especially true after the innovation of resources and ingredients, as well as the growth of regional confectionery, making it possible to find more than half a dozen varieties of queijadas.
If you are planning to visit the Island of São Miguel, be sure to try the Queijadas da Vila; you certainly won’t regret it!
History of Queijadas da Vila
The history of Queijadas da Vila began with the nuns who lived 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 confectionery in the Açores, highly sought after by visitors to the region.
The main ingredients used by the nuns were milk, eggs (especially the yolks), and sugar, with the latter being largely responsible for the unique texture and wonderful flavor.
For those interested in seeing the preparation process, visit the Queijadas da Vila do Morgado factory and take the opportunity to try this delicious sweet.
Queijadas da Vila do Morgado
Address & Map Location
Rua do Penedo 20
9680-146 Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel
Currently, Queijadas da Vila have spread across the island and can be easily found in commercial establishments or online. The average price for a box of 6 units is €7.99 (reference price from online store). It’s worth it!
How to Make Queijadas da Vila
To start, here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the traditional Queijadas da Vila.
Ingredients for the Dough:
1/2 tablespoon lard;
1 dessert spoon sugar;
1 tablespoon butter;
1 egg;
250 g flour and salt (as needed);
Ingredients for the Filling and Topping:
1 egg white;
1 teaspoon butter;
1 tablespoon flour;
2 liters milk;
250 g sugar;
6 egg yolks;
rennet (as needed);
powdered sugar for topping.
Preparation and Cooking
Alright, let’s get to it! Starting with the filling, heat the milk, add the rennet in the correct proportions, and then cover the container to let it curdle. Next, remove the curd with a cloth and squeeze out all the whey, forming a very dry and fine mass.
Now, add and mix the egg yolks, egg white, sugar, butter, and flour. After mixing, cook over low heat until it boils. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, then pass it through a fine sieve. Store in the refrigerator.
The dough should be prepared the next day. Take all the indicated ingredients for the dough and knead with a little warm water, forming a dough that can be rolled out. Wrap it in a napkin and let it rest.
Using a rolling pin and flour, roll out the dough until it’s thin. Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut the dough into circles 12 cm in diameter. Leave each cut piece exposed to the air on the table. Then, in the center of each circle, place a small mound of the prepared filling. With a toothpick, shape and pull the dough upwards, so that it meets the filling and forms a fluted case.
Finally, around each queijada, place a strip of parchment paper approximately 2 cm high, to support the dough (secure with a pin if necessary). Bake the queijadas in a medium oven and, after baking, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for the finishing touch.
Recipe Video
As usual, we share another video from Leonor Santos of the YouTube channel Sabores dos Açores, who explains step-by-step how to make the Queijadas da Vila recipe in her own style:
Português
Español
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
