Citrus-Inspired Recipes from Citrus Tree House

Whether you’re here for lazy mornings on the patio or evenings by the pizza oven, our citrus garden is part of the magic. So, we’ve put together three recipes you can make during your stay, or when you return home after your holiday and want to bring a little of the Citrus Tree magic back home. For our guests, you're welcome to pick some fresh citrus from the orchard (if in season). We just ask that you enjoy them considerately, so future guests can share in the same fresh-picked experience.

1. Super-Easy Citrus & Mint Sparkler

Perfect for: Your first afternoon here - minimal effort, maximum refreshment.

What you’ll need:

• 1–2 fresh lemons or oranges (from the bowl of fresh citrus from our very own garden if in season)

• A few fresh mint leaves (optional - and easily found at local markets)

• Chilled sparkling water (or tonic for a twist)

• Ice
  

How to make it:

1. Slice your citrus into rounds and squeeze a little juice into each glass.

2. Add ice, top with sparkling water, and tuck in a sprig of mint.

3. Sit back, sip, and take in the view.
   

Tip: For a grown-up twist, add a splash of gin or white port.

2. Portuguese-Inspired Lemon & Herb Roast Chicken [or Fish] (Pizza Oven or Regular Oven)

Perfect for: A fresh, delicious dinner with friends or family.

What you’ll need:

• 1 whole chicken

• Juice & zest of 1–2 lemons

• 3–4 garlic cloves, crushed

• A handful of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper
  

How to make it:

1. Preheat the pizza oven (or regular oven) to medium heat.

2. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, lemon juice/zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast until golden and cooked through (around 1 hr in oven at around 180°C; the wood fired pizza oven may cook faster, but check temperature or that juices run clear to make sure it is fully cooked through).

4. Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, and maybe a glass of Vinho Verde.

   
   

Note for pizza oven users: Pizza ovens run hotter and cook faster, so guests should check internal temperature or make sure juices run clear and avoid under or overcooking.

Local touch: You can swap chicken for whole fish from the local fish market or stores for a traditional peixe assado twist.

"Take Me Back" Recipes to Try at Home

3. Citrus & Almond Cake

Perfect for: Bringing a bites of sunshine and comfort into your home when you’re missing Portugal. Similar to a Tarta de Santiago and inspired by Claudia Roden's orange and almond cake recipe, this tasty cake will bring you back to your Citrus Tree House stay with each fresh, comforting, citrus bite. Plus, the cake is also gluten-free!

What you’ll need:

• 2 oranges

• 6 eggs

• 250g ground almonds

• 250g sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

  
  

How to make it:

1. Boil the oranges whole (yes, peel and all) for about 1 hour, then cool.

2. Blend the oranges into a smooth puree.

3. Mix with eggs, sugar, almonds, and baking powder.

4. Pour into a lined tin and bake at 180°C for around 40–50 minutes.

   
   

Optional: Serve with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of icing sugar. The scent will take you straight back to mornings in the Citrus Tree House kitchen.

4. Pastéis de Laranja (Portuguese Orange Custard Tarts)

Perfect for: A rainy, cosy day back home when you want a taste of Portugal’s sunshine.

This recipe is inspired by traditional Portuguese Pastéis De Laranja, a regional variation on custard tarts often found in pastry shops across Portugal.

What you’ll need:

• Zest of 2 oranges

• 250ml fresh orange juice (about 3–4 oranges)

• 250g sugar

• 50g plain flour

• 4 large eggs

• 100g unsalted butter, melted

• Ready-made puff pastry (for ease)
  

How to make it:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C and lightly grease a muffin tin.

2. Zest & juice the oranges.

3. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, melted butter, orange juice, and zest until smooth.

4. Line each muffin hole with a circle of puff pastry, pressing down gently.

5. Pour the orange mixture into each case, leaving a little space at the top.

6. Bake for around 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly firm to the touch.

7. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips: These are traditionally served dusted with icing sugar, and pair beautifully with a strong espresso. Make sure the custard is set but not overcooked (a slight jiggle in the middle is fine, it will set as it cools).

Eggs should be fresh, and puff pastry kept cold before baking for best results.

Whether you try one of these recipes in our kitchen, by the pool, or back at your own home, we hope they bring a little of the Citrus Tree House warmth to your table.

If you give one a go, we’d love to see it - tag us in your photos on Facebook and Instagram or share your creations in a review. And if it leaves you craving more sun, fresh air, and citrus, you know where to find us. 🍋