I'm 50% Portuguese.  Both of my maternal grandparents are from Portugal.

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Not too many Americans can say they are a full 50% of any nationality.  Most are a mix of this and that.  My Dad's side of the family, for example, is a bit of English, a splash of Scottish, a dose of French, and a sprinkling of who-knows-what-else.

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Growing up, this Portuguese thing really bothered me.  Seen the movie <strong><em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em></strong>?  My Portuguese family is not too far off from the family in the movie.

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You can imagine how this embarrassed an awkward and self-conscious teenager to no end.

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As an adult, I consider my Portuguese heritage to be pretty groovy.  Vive le difference!

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<del>Most </del>All of the traditions in my Portuguese family have to do with food.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  The Portuguese rival the Italians with their food obsession.

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This time of year, the food obsession is Portuguese Easter Bread.

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As a child, I have fond memories of both my Nana and my mother baking the bread in time for Easter morning.

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Nana memory:  We were out at the beach house during an unusual heat wave.  (April in New York?  I'm wondering if it was 80?  That would be a cool front i