Bread making - in a windmill

Despite visiting the area on many occasions, I can't say I had ever noticed a windmill there. How I missed it I'm not sure - for it's right by the fire station and next to the council offices in Alcabideche, near Cascais, Portugal. 

Perhaps because it doesn't look like a "typical" windmill. This is an American-style frame mill. These first appeared in Portugal in the first part of the 20th century. The design - no surprise - originated in America and they are known as frame mills because of the metal frames covering them, 

I belong to a group called International Women in Portugal (IWP) and a (free!) bread making workshop was the reason for us gathering in the mill to see the cereal being ground and the fire in the outside oven where our bread would be baked.

And then the fun began. First the preparations: we used fine mesh sieves to separate the bran from the flour. Then with bowls of flour, salt, dried yeast and warm water we started kneading our dough. We had brought dried fruits, seeds and herbs to add to flavour our bread, and the kneading process was great fun - sticky hands until the water was absorbed and then wonderful dough.

We went for coffee whilst we waited for the dough to rest and soften and were amazed on our return it was already ready for the oven. The oven itself had been heated by wood. Once it had reached the required temperature the embers were removed and the heat left in the oven stones cooked the bread. It was soon done and we admired and enjoyed the aroma of our hot loaves.

We set off for home with our bread in a bag with the warning we must not let it get cold too quickly or it would go hard.

Back home, I couldn't wait to taste my fruit loaf with lashings of butter - and it was delicious.

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