If there's one fruit we associate with the Algarve region of Southern Portugal, it's the fig. One of the region's most traditional sweet recipes is fig cake, or locally called it fig cheese, queijo de figo. To obtain the paste to mould into the cake, dried figs are mixed with almonds, water, cinnamon, fennel and cocoa - there are many recipes, every household has one.

In the classic method, sliced figs and almonds are layered in a mold and soaked with brandy. The mixture is then pressed and left to set, resulting in a firm, compact cake.

Nowadays the most common way to make it is to combine ground figs and almonds (usually in a food processor) adding cinnamon and fennel flavoured water to form a dense mixture, which is then pressed into a mold. While these fig cakes are typically round, they can be shaped in other forms. The name "fig cheese" comes from the traditional round shape, which resembles a wheel of cheese.

Campos Santos, our producer in the heart of Algarve region brings you this traditional sweet treat. These cmall cakes are consumed especially during festive occasions like Christmas or local celebrations. It's often served alongside nuts, cheeses, or as part of a dessert platter. People also enjoy it with a glass of local wine or after meals as a traditional end to a hearty meal.