Azoresgal~Life on an Island

Conchiglioni con ricotta,  somehow sounds nicer in italian, then it's english translation " pasta shells stuffed with ricotta",  The great thing is, does not matter what language you say it in, either way it is  a delicious dish. I have always wanted to make this dish, but have never been able to buy the shells, here on the island. Well that changed, last week when in my local supermarket, I found a bag of these large shells, in the pasta aisle. I jumped for joy ( really I did, thats often what I do, when I find products,  I have been searching for ) and grabbed a couple of bags ( around these parts, if you see it at the supermarket, BUY IT, more than one) sometimes things are brought in, and then never appear again ( I swear, I am still waiting for them to stock, blueberries again, haven't seen them since  circa 2002 ).  I usually stuff canelloni shells, this way also. The filling is quite forgiving, as you could add, all sorts o...

"I know the look of an apple that is roasting and sizzling on the hearth on a winter's evening, and I know the comfort that comes of eating it hot, along with some sugar and a drench of cream... I know how the nuts taken in conjunction with winter apples, cider, and doughnuts, make old people's tales and old jokes sound fresh and crisp and enchanting."  Mark Twain The perfect recipe for the apple season.  The contrast of  sweet soft fruit and  a crunchy crumble topping, make this a fall favorite. Much quicker to make than an apple pie. After one taste, I think, you will want to make it again. 6 apples, and a buttered dish thinly slice apples, and place in the dish half a bag of caramels ( Werthers Caramels, work just fine) unwrap, and layer on apples ( YOU CAN MAKE THIS WITHOUT THE CARAMELS TOO) in a bowl mix, flour, sugar, spices,oats,and butter layer on top of the apples (and caramels if using) bake @ 200º/375 fo...

There is a crispness in the air, autumn is finally here. I have to confess, it is probably my favorite season, with it comes sweaters, scarfs, hats, warm drinks and comfort food.  Something about this time of year, that at the end of the day, you want to eat something warm, and filling. Cottage pie is exactly that, also known as Shepherds Pie, if made with minced lamb. It´s quick to put together, and very versatile, as you can add other vegetables. The mash for the topping I made from scratch, but you could use instant mash potatoes, if you like. Hope you give it a try. a bag of veggies,6 potatoes, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 kilo ground lean beef ( not seen, bag of shredded cheese) first start with the mash, dice potatoes and boil in salted water drain, add butter and milk and mash them up next, brown the meat in some olive oil and garlic if you wish add the onion soup mix, the veggies, and the milk, return to heat, and cook till thickened turn meat mi...

Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meaning can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.~Martin Luther King Jr I had one of these moments, this weekend. My sweet friend Ilídia , organized a "tea" party, at her home this past Saturday. She invited several other "bloggers" so that we could all meet in "person". It was a fanastic afternoon, spent in the company of some remarkable women. It was a joy to personally meet,  Elvira , Manuela , Susana , Patrícia and PMT .  The afternoon somehow, flew by, and I believe we all left, with the feeling that, there was so much more to talk about, laugh and giggle about, and plenty more recipes to share. I do believe, that this was the first of many more "tea parties". My dear friends, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, the fact that I write my blog in english, has in no...

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. ~Author Unknow xo,Diana

Thats, just how I feel about this whole weekend. I am truly blessed, to have spent my birthday with some truly amazing friends, some old some new, but all remarkable. My heart felt thanks, to each and everyone of you, for making my weekend so special. xo,Diana

PLeas'd to look forward, pleas'd to look behind, And count each birthday with a grateful mind. - Alexander Pope first day home from the hospital, with my parents xo, Diana

A very sweet friend of mine, dropped of some cucumbers, from her garden. I decided I would make some bread and butter pickles. These are some of my favorite in a sandwich or with hamburgers. So what are bread and butter pickles ? They are sweet, not sour,  are ready to eat quickly, and do not require processing the jars, because they go directly into the fridge. I often use this brine with other veggies, like cauliflower, carrots and baby onions (these do not need to be salted and iced). Hope you give them a try. "Bread-and-butter pickles are sweeter in flavor than dill pickles, having a high concentration of sugar or other sweetener added to the brine. Rather than being served alongside a sandwich,they are more often used in fully flavored sandwiches, such as hamburgers or used in potato salad. Cucumbers to be made into bread and butters are often sliced before pickling."~wikipedia 3 little cucumbers slice them up dice up an onion add 1/4 cup ...

I HATE YOU....I am way to tired right now to deal with you.....I have no idea what you did to my blog.....where is my backround......again  I HATE YOU BLOGGER..... I will deal with you tomorrow !!!

"The rule іѕ, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday but never jam today.” Lewis Carroll made the way I make all my jams. xo,Diana

I found a photo of this chocolate mousse, at one of my latest "addictions"  along with a link to the recipe. Right away, I saved it so that, I could make it. I am so glad I did ! This is a keeper, it so quick and easy to make, and there are no raw eggs, so it's safe to eat ( I am not a fan of using raw eggs). Hard to believe chocolate and water, could come together to make such a delicious mousse. dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), water, and sugar add water, sugar, and chocolate to pot, & melt two bowls, one with ice and water, the other must fit in the first, & whisk add melted chocolate to the dry bowl and start whisking, TRUST ME THIS WORKS... see, it starts to thicken up ( at this point it was perfect) this here is already to thick (but oh sooo good), if you want to pour into little cups Enjoy CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Ingredients 4 servings 9.35 ounces (265 grams) bittersweet (%70 cocoa solids) chocolate, chopped 1 cup...