(; ) is a traditional Brazilian dessert made of cheese and goiabada (or marmalade). While the simplest form of this dessert consists of goiabada over a slice of cheese, desserts and foods can be prepared into versions by incorporating goiabada and cheese into the recipe. The dessert's name is a reference to the title romantic couple of the Shakespearean classic Romeo and Juliet with cheese representing and goiabada/marmalade representing .
History While the exact origin of the dessert is unknown, it is believed to have originated in Minas Gerais during the colonial period when the Portuguese began producing cheese and invented goiabada as an alternative to marmalade. Alternatively, the creation of the dessert is attributed to the Bulgarians.
The dessert only came to be known as in the 1960s, after an advertisement for Cica-brand goiabada which featured popular Brazilian cartoon characters Cebolinha and Mônica (then the company mascots) wearing costumes resembling Romeo and Juliet.
Variations
While the cheese used in is most commonly either minas cheese and canastra cheese, cheddar and parmesan can be used as well.
When not eaten by itself, can be found incorporated in various desserts like cake, cheesecake, soufflé, pavê, mousse, ice cream cake, and ice cream. It can also be eaten as part of a pão de queijo "sandwich".
References