Jaíne Mackievicz

2 months ago | jaine.substack.com | Jaíne Mackievicz

Every February, without fail, I find myself back at the stove, stirring up what I consider the ultimate Brazilian treat. The 14th may demand chocolate, not that I'm particularly attached to Valentine’s itself (especially since we celebrate it on a different day in Brazil), so if there’s ever a sweet that feels like a sweet hug, it’s brigadeiro. Soft, rich, chocolatey, and so simple.

2 months ago | jaine.substack.com | Jaíne Mackievicz

Today, Brazilians, particularly those from the North and Northeast, honor Yemanjá—the Mother of the Waters. A magical figure, she embodies motherhood, the life-giving force, and protection. Her essence is reflected in that rhythmic ebb and flow, cradling those who seek solace, guidance, and strength. Yemanjá is an orixá, a deity, and a spiritual being—regal, mermaid-like, crowned with shells, and radiating beauty.

2 months ago | jaine.substack.com | Jaíne Mackievicz

I don’t think my dad ever tasted tahini—much less in a cake. It wasn’t exactly the kind of ingredient you could stumble upon in the middle of the Amazon. I wonder how many days traveling by boat it would have taken for tahini to even reach there. My guest? At least 10. But my dad tasted so many amazing things in his life, I bet. He only lived to 44, which feels absurd now that I’m 32 and doing the math. How much life can you pack into 44 years? Very little, it seems obvious.

Jan 19, 2025 | jaine.substack.com | Jaíne Mackievicz

It’s surprisingly cold here in Oceanside today, which naturally doesn’t match the vibe, less so to this Brazilian. The mood feels heavy in California, as we all know. It breaks my heart to even think about it, but right now, honestly, I wish I could be anywhere else in the world—anywhere but here, especially with everything going on tomorrow. The whole thing just feels wrong to me. With the whirlwind of this January, I’ll admit, I haven’t been eating nearly as much of the rainbow as I’d like.

Jan 8, 2025 | jaine.substack.com | Jaíne Mackievicz

Every. single. year. I count down the days until it's finally time to bake Pão de Mel in the last week. Though this spiced honey cake is a beloved year-round treat in Brazil, it holds a special place in my heart as an end-of-year tradition from my childhood. While there’s no specific date tied to it in our gastronomic culture (ask anyone in Brazil anytime—they’ll likely conjure up a slice of Pão de Mel for you!), in my household, it was reserved for the festive season.