David Rodrigues Author of How To Cook More Portuguese Stuff

Being the only member of my family born in the United States, my parents were pretty much fresh off the boat. I grew up in a small town in New Jersey, with a tight-knit Portuguese community complete with our very own Portuguese Club. Looking back, nothing cracks me up more than watching my parents—and the rest of the community—assimilate to American culture, yet nothing do I cherish more than holding onto our heritage. Whether it’s through music, sports, or most of all—FOOD!

My parents raised me Portuguese first, which came with some interesting rules—like not being allowed to play in the street with my American friends. Naturally, during summer breaks, I learned to cook for myself. I started small…Salchichas (hot dogs) cut into little slices. Fast forward to today, I live in Orlando, Florida—where Portuguese culture isn’t exactly around the corner. So the only way I could keep that taste of home alive was to learn how to cook like a Porkchop!

Now I tackle dishes like Bifanas, Bacalhau, Cozido à Portuguesa, Pastéis de Nata, and so many more of our most traditional recipes. Whether it’s a Carne Guisada or Caldo Verde, follow along and I’ll teach you my absolute favorite Portuguese dishes—step by step.

Fair warning though…sometimes I go a little off the rails and create some interesting fusion dishes with Portuguese ingredients too!

So grab your bata, your curiosity, and let’s have some fun together—Vamos Embora!