ADD SOME AZOREAN FLAVOR TO YOUR LIFE
Featured Recipes
Soups and Sides
Pumpkin Soup (Sopa de Abobora)
If you’ve never made Pumpkin Soup (Sopa de Abóbora) at home, this is your sign to try it. It’s silky, cozy, and full of that classic Portuguese comfort—simple ingredients, big flavor. One pot, no fuss, and it tastes like it simmered all afternoon. Perfect for chilly days, holiday tables, or anytime you want something soothing and homemade. Give it a try… you’re going to fall in love with this one.
Baked Goods
Portuguese Cavacas – Portuguese Popovers
Portuguese Cavacas are light, airy pastries with a sweet sugar glaze, perfect for celebrations or a cozy coffee break. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser People will think you worked hard to make them, but we'll keep that our secret!
Baked Goods
Chocolate Tart with Maria Biscuit Crust
The Maria Biscuit is a cookie I grew up with. It’s a wheat biscuit that’s not too sweet, but has always been a treat for me growing up. We eat it with our tea and coffee. You can pick this up at any grocery store in their international aisle. These biscuits are comparable to arrowroot cookies and can use them as a substitute.
ABOUT MARIA
Welcome to the Azorean Green Bean®!
Born on the semi-tropical island of Sao Miguel in the village called Rosario de Lagoa, I moved permanently to the United States with my family when I was six years old. With a family tradition of cooking food from the islands, most of the recipes were lost to the ages because they were never documented.
I resolved to recreate as many of those recipes as I could to keep our family traditions alive. With the help of my sisters, aunts, and cousins, I traveled back to Sao Miguel and learned those recipes all over again, this time with a pen and paper in hand!
I'm bringing the rich culture and stories of my past to your kitchen through my cook book and television series. Saúde!
My First Cookbook for Children (with an adult!)
Baking with Love
Maria and her Avó's Sweet Recipes for Little Chefs
Bake together. Laugh together. Make memories that last.
Baking with Love invites families into Maria Lawton’s childhood kitchen, where she first learned to bake beside her beloved Avó. Now a grandmother herself, Maria shares that joy through ten easy, kid-friendly Portuguese desserts—each paired with charming illustrations that celebrate the magic of baking together. Whether you’re introducing a child to the kitchen or passing down traditions, this delightful cookbook helps you create memories as sweet as the treats inside. Pre-order now for late November delivery.
Azorean Cooking
the book that started it all
Maria’s first cookbook brings Azorean flavors home with comforting family recipes and island tradition.
At My Portuguese Table
the follow-up
Maria’s second cookbook dives deeper into Azorean heritage with vibrant new recipes, stories, and flavors that feel like home.
Maria's 2 Book Bundle
why choose? Get both!
Enjoy both of Maria’s beloved Azorean cookbooks in one value bundle—all the stories and recipes with bigger savings.
Maria's Appearances
See Maria in person!
Join Maria live for an unforgettable experience celebrating Portuguese food, culture, and community! As an award-winning author, PBS host, and beloved ambassador of Portuguese heritage, Maria brings her passion and warmth to every event. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to her world, you’ll enjoy engaging stories, delicious recipes, and the opportunity to connect in person. Don’t miss your chance to meet Maria, grab a signed copy of her latest book, and be part of the vibrant Portuguese table she shares with the world!
Hire Maria for your event
Experience Maria’s gift for turning every stage into a welcoming table—where food, culture, and heartfelt connection come together.
Schedule Maria
Bring Maria’s warmth and storytelling to your next event—she turns every room into a table of friends, where real connection and conversation thrive.
WE'RE GETTING NOTICED!
Maria's Awards
Where to Watch
Your Local PBS Station
Maria's Portuguese Table® Season 2 air on stations around the US on PBS. Check your local PBS station for more information to see if we're broadcasting near you, or stream it online at pbs.org.
Now available on the PBS app found on IOS, Android, Roku, and Firestick
Watch Season 1 on YouTube
Maria goes on an 8-part food and travel odyssey starting in Rhode Island USA to Sao Miguel Azores, to California. Rediscover one of the world’s oldest cultures with her!
Travel with Maria
I’m so excited to share that I’ve been asked by the New Bedford Whaling Museum to host a second trip this year, and it truly means the world to me. They’ve been such a wonderful partner over the years, supporting and promoting both seasons of my show, and now I have the joy of working with them in a new way—bringing many of their members to São Miguel. To be able to do that, to share not only the culture and food but my birthplace, feels incredibly special. São Miguel isn’t just where I’m from—it’s my favorite place in the world, and I can’t wait to experience it together.
This October, we’ll explore São Miguel at a relaxed, thoughtful pace, soaking in its breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and unforgettable food. The trip includes round-trip airfare from Boston, eight nights of comfortable accommodations, daily breakfast, and a wonderful mix of shared lunches and dinners where we’ll linger at the table—just as we do at home. Every day will bring something meaningful, whether it’s the scenery, the stories, or the flavors, all thoughtfully planned so you can simply enjoy the experience. I’m so looking forward to traveling with this group and sharing the island that shaped me.
Click here to learn more on the NB Whaling Museum page
I’m happy to be working with AAA Northeast once again to organize and lead this trip. Their support lets me focus on sharing São Miguel and enjoying the journey together.
Ready to Book or Have Questions?
Indira Ross | (978) 208-3186 | iross@aaanortheast.com
Lynn Natale | (508) 915-462lnatale@aaanortheast.com
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