Darina Allen: How to make authentic Portuguese custard tarts and coconut rolls

Such a lovely surprise to get a spontaneous invitation to join my two sisters for a relaxing week on the Algarve, a quick flight from drizzly Cork to Faro and seemingly eternal sunshine. 

A week ago, the summer crowds had not yet descended so the restaurants and cafés were still eager and enthusiastic to welcome customers for the new season. We ate in several lovely cafés overlooking the white sandy beaches watching spectacular sunsets. As the light faded, little local fishing boats appeared along the horizon, close to the shore ‘lamping’ for squid and cuttlefish. Every menu features the beautiful fresh fish of the Algarve.