Posted by Denise Mickelsen 

A loaf of Portuguese sweet bread recently saved my day, and my work ethic. I had traveled with my husband, Bill, to Rhode Island for a family wedding, and we proceeded to thoroughly enjoy ourselves at the reception. The trouble was, we had to get up at the crack of dawn the next morning for the 2-1/2 hour return trip because we’d agreed to help cater another wedding.  We knew it would be rough.  Luckily, I’d done my homework and the day before, we had swung by the Morning Star Bakery in Providence, a Portuguese shop selling all manner of food stuffs and baked goods.  There was dried hominy, chorizo, and pastries galore, but more importantly, there was also Portuguese sweet bread (also known as massa sovada).

As we sped down I-95 on our way to the catering gig, our stomachs growling, it was a lifesaver. Similar in texture to brioche, the dark golden sweet bread (at left) was as tender as can be; it practically melted in my mouth. That, plus a cup of hot coffee from a gas station, and I was ready to face the day. 

Ever had a similar life-saving food experience?  I’d love to hear about it.