Lisbon Cooking Class and Recipe for Portuguese Custard (Leite Creme)

We sure are excited about Lisbon! We’ve been sending travelers to the capital of Portugal during our cooking vacations Flavors of Portugal and Lisbon Food Tour, and it is one of our favorite destinations. Portugal seems to gain in popularity each year, and it is no wonder, with such amazing culture, history, food, and wine to explore.

What are “petiscos”?

“Petiscos” are sort of the Portuguese version of tapas. Like tapas, these are small plates that are meant to be shared – and that are meant to be tasted with other petiscos. During your hands-on Lisbon cooking classes you can make 4 to 5 petiscos which you will then enjoy for lunch. With wine of course! When possible, the day starts with a visit to the local market with the chef. You will learn about the various seasonal ingredients as you look over the fruits, vegetables, olives, fish, seafood, and cured meats and cheeses. After the market visit, head to the chef’s home for your cooking class. This private experience is for small groups only, with a maximum class size of 4. Read more about what to eat in Portugal. My mother recently took the class in Lisbon, and it was the favorite part of her trip! What did they make?

• Roasted almonds
• Fried eggs
• Cogumelos fritos com vinagre e menta (Fried mushrooms with vinegar and mint)
• Tomate no forno (Braised tomatoes)
• Oven baked sea bass
• Leite creme (Portuguese custard)

I asked Mom what she most loved about the class. “What I most loved about the class? The chef and his son, who is also a chef and who joined us that day. They were so warm and so friendly, we felt like we were enjoying the day with family. I also loved that we cooked a variety of dishes. We got to eat some as we went, and then we sat down together to finish the meal. We could have stayed all day, it was just that fun and that special. Of all the things I did and saw during my trip to Spain and Portugal, this was my favorite.”