I am addicted to Brasilian coffee, a dedication to all things yummy

I am addicted to Brasilian coffee. Maria (Gus's mom) makes it aout 3x a day. Brasilians normally drink about an espresso sized portion of Joe, but not me. I'm sucking down around 2 "American" sized cups about 3x a day. I just can't get enough. They grind the beans super fine (like powdered sugar) which makes it really strong. It is just so damn good.

There are pastry/bakery's EVERYWHERE!!! Okay, everyone knows that I am obsessed with this (it's my job for goodness sakes). So naturally, I want to try everything. Most of the things for sale are savory (a growing trend in the States). There is one in particular, pastel do frango (chicken empanada), that will be the death of me. Everytime I eat one, they taste better and better. I have been indulging at any chance I get until I get a gym membership again.

Gus brought me to a favorite restaurant of his. It is a smorgousboard of miniture foods. Little empanadas, pão de queijo (cheese bread that is to die for but hurts my little lactose intolerant belly), cakes, cookies....this list goes on and on. It was the perfect place for me really. You chose what you want, weigh your food (a custom I think the US should adopt) and pay for what you eat in weight. That place could be really dangerous for me. I think I'm going to avoid it for awhile.

Maria also likes to make cakes. What???!! I love cakes!!! She made a carrot cake the other day. I thought of the traditional creamcheese frosting variation from home, but hers was very different. She blended the carrots and sugar until it made a juice and that was how the cake was flavored. Very interesting and very good. Gus said that she usually puts chocolate frosting on top. I couldn't imagine that, but everything else has been awesome so far. Tonight she is making Brasilian coconut cake. I attempted this in the States and failed miserably. I can't wait until it is cool enough to cut into.

Did I mention I will be obese in 1 year when I return?