The foundation of Fatias de Tomar lies in the Convent of Christ, a place steeped in centuries of cultural significance. Founded in the 12th century by the legendary Knights Templar, an order instrumental in the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the convent later transformed into a majestic royal palace. Today, it proudly holds the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revered as one of Portugal's most awe-inspiring monuments.

Within the convent's sacred walls, a group of devoted nuns devoted their lives to prayer and acts of charity. Alongside their spiritual pursuits, they honed their culinary skills, creating a gastronomic repertoire rooted in simplicity and sweetness. Their creative prowess brought forth a multitude of delectable treats, including the iconic Pastéis de Belém, Papos de Anjo, Ovos Moles, and, of course, Fatias de Tomar. These desserts not only nourished their souls but also became a way to utilize the abundant ingredients at their disposal, such as eggs, sugar, and almonds.

Fatias de Tomar, an exemplar of Portuguese conventual sweets, captures the essence of simplicity, richness, and sweetness. The dessert showcases its heritage through a modest combination of four ingredients: bread, eggs, sugar, and water. Thinly sliced bread is delicately dipped in beaten egg yolks, meticulously layered in a specially designed pan featuring a central funnel. The pan's unique design allows water to be added and checked without interrupting the baking process, ensuring the slices retain their texture and flavor. The pan is gently heated, allowing steam to envelop the bread slices, cooking them evenly. Meanwhile, a sugar syrup is carefully concocted by boiling sugar and water until it achieves a thick, luscious consistency. This syrup is then poured over the bread slices through the funnel, enveloping them in a decadent embrace. The pan is then covered and baked in the oven until the top turns gloriously golden and crisp.

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The result is a sumptuous dessert that tantalizes the taste buds with its moist and tender texture. The caramelized flavor and glossy appearance imparted by the sugar syrup elevate Fatias de Tomar to new heights of indulgence. These delectable slices can be savored either hot or cold, in their pure form or embellished with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scattering of nuts. Conveniently, they can also be portioned into smaller pieces, individually wrapped in paper or foil, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.

Beyond its enticing flavors, Fatias de Tomar symbolizes the cultural and historical tapestry that shapes Portugal's identity. It pays homage to the diverse civilizations that have left their mark on the country, from the Romans to the Moors, and even the Chinese. The dessert's resemblance to the Chinese pastry Youtiao, or "oil-fried dough sticks", has earned it the nickname "Fatias da China" or "Slices of China". Each bite tells a story of culinary exchange and adaptation.

As you venture through Lisbon, don't miss the opportunity to taste the history within Fatias de Tomar. Indulge in this delightful slice of the past, celebrating the fusion of influences that have shaped Portuguese cuisine. Let the sweetness of the dessert transport you to a bygone era, where the skills of Portuguese nuns transformed humble ingredients into extraordinary delicacies. Fatias de Tomar is more than just a dessert; it is a delectable connection to the rich tapestry of Portuguese heritage.