I'm Francisca , a mother of four, and I'll be 40 at the end of this year. My life has always been marked by love for family, nature, and the simple pleasures of life. After years of traveling the world and immersing myself in different cultures, I found my place in Amarante, together with my partner and our children, where we seek to live in a more connected and conscious way.
It was here, in my daily life with my children, that my passion for cooking gained new meaning. In particular, for bread – slow-fermented bread, made with sourdough starter, which I started developing when my daughter was born. Through trial and error and learning, I discovered the magic of creating something simple and healthy with my own hands. Today, bread is part of our routine, and nothing gives me more pleasure than sharing this knowledge with others, whether through my Instagram page ( @paodamaee ), workshops, or the ebook I will be launching soon.
I dream of better understanding the complete bread-making cycle, from wheat seed to flour, and bringing more and more people closer to artisanal production and Portuguese flours. For me, life is made of simple moments, of freshly baked bread, of children growing up happy and free, and of daily contact with the nature that surrounds us.
TO BE
Zodiac Sign: Sun in Sagittarius, Ascendant in Leo, Moon in Virgo
Season: Autumn
One color: currently, the colors of autumn 🥰 oranges, browns, beiges
A book: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
A film: Labyrinth
One song: Bob Dylan
A podcast: I like Joana Bairros.
One object: my stand mixer 🥹
Favorite place in the world: my home and the island of Porto Santo.
TO CREATE
Who and what inspires you? My grandmother.
What do you still need to create? Several things. A long trip with my children, finishing my book, a project/farm with my partner, an online course... at the moment I'm focused on raising my children 🙂 everything in its own time.
How do I maintain creativity? Simply by being in harmony with myself, my family, and my home.
TO LIVE
First thing to do when you wake up: wash your face , brush your teeth, and move your body.
How to relax at the end of the day: spending time with my partner after the kids go to sleep.
A place to disconnect: seaside
Preferred physical exercise: swimming
How do I relieve stress: movement (running, yoga, dancing), bathing, music, and baking bread 😂
A woman who inspires me: my grandmother.
NOURISH
Your ideal diet is... varied, seasonal and local.
What you always have in the fridge: eggs, butter, and bread for baking! 😆
Dinner-saving recipe: pasta with pesto or tuna salad.
Favorite drinks: flavored waters, teas - iced in winter, hot in summer.
Favorite snack: dates
Favorite restaurant: Tasquinha do Fumo
Favorite cookbooks: right now , The Perfect Loaf
TO CARE
Beauty icon: Frida Kahlo
An essential piece of clothing: right now, an apron.
What's always in her beauty routine: washing her face , feet, teeth, and moisturizing.
Favorite product: Pure Sun
How do you feel most beautiful? When I am calm and at peace with myself.
