Brown Treasure

THIS unusual bread is known in Portugal as 'alfarroba' and comes from the carob or locust-tree (ceratonia siliqua). It is used as a substitute for cocoa powder, so the flavour has just a hint of chocolate and is absolutely delicious when served hot with cheese.

Northern Portugal doesn't have the kind of Mediterranean tradition that one finds in the south, but this is one of the exceptions. I definitely recommend it for those of you who may be thinking about visiting this part of the world.