A number of Portuguese households have wood-fired ovens built in. Making bread at home is something which obviously came out of necessity, but today simply yields the most delicious mouthwatering bread immagineable. The loaves come out piping hot and crunchy, and are delicious with a little salted butter. They keep their freshness for days, contrary to bread out of even the finest bakeries. The ingredients are basic: water, wheat flour, salt and leaven, mixed entirely by hand, pounded by strong arms for about 20 minutes. The result is close to perfection.
Merry Christmas!
