Azoresgal~Life on an Island

These mini sized cheesecakes, are super easy to make, and even quicker to eat ! They can be topped with your favorite topping of choice, either canned or fresh fruit. They bake for about 20 minutes, and then need to cool, before serving. Of course the waiting is the hardest part. They also freeze really well, just in case you actually have any leftovers.....I seriously doubt that will happen though! people~don't judge me... I  know my muffin tin is old and yucky ;) again.....don't judge me ;)           Mini- Cheesecake 1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs ( I use Marie Biscuits) 1/4 c. sugar 1/4 c. butter, melted 3 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk) 3 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 (21 oz.) can pie filling or topping, any flavor, chilled OR fresh fruit Preheat oven to 300 (180) degrees. Combine crumbs, sugar and butter; press equal portions onto bottoms of 24 lightly greased or paper cup li

These are one of our favorites at our house, during the summer. Very simple. Very yummy. Only 3 ingredients ! Topped with these onions , oh man, sooooooo good !   Easy Burgers 1 kilo ground beef or 500g. beef + 500g ground pork( I like using the 2 meats) 1 package of Onion Soup (dry mix), Knorr or Maggi 1/2 cup (250ml) water In a bowl mix everything together, earlier in the day is better, but no harm done if you can't. Form into 8 patties, and grill over hot coals. Serve with favorite toppings, ( our favorite topping )  and enjoy. ****if you decide to make the onions, you may use white, instead of red onions. xo, Diana

I can hardly believe it,  13, seems like only yesterday you were a little baby. You a newborn, and I a new mom,  by far one of the happiest days of my life. You were born, an old soul, quiet, smart, shy, and oh so funny. I am blessed to be your mother. I love you very much, for ever and ever, from here to the moon and back. xo, Diana

It would not be the first time I have mentioned here, somone left a basket of fruit or vegetables at our door. Yesterday was no different, my dear friend, almost neighbour, and fellow blogger , Ilidia , stopped in. She came bearing gifts from her garden, cabbage, leeks and swiss chard, all of which had been picked only minutes before, now that is fresh !. It´s that time of summer, when our gardens, are in full swing, making it sometimes diffuclt to consume everything that the garden provides. How wonderful to be able to share what has grown in abundance ! My darling friend thank you for your kindness, and most of all your friendship. xo, Diana

Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Yesterday, we went on an adventure, got in the car and drove up to Lagoa das Patas. It was oh so lovely up there.....so quiet....so silent...so peaceful. Dare I say it, heaven on earth. The island is gorgeous right now, very lush and green, and the road sides dabbled in white, pink, purple and blue as the hydrangeas are now in full bloom. After Lagoa das Patas, we headed over to Monte Brasil, for a picnic. Although I have visted both of these places, over and over again, it never cease to amaze me, how beautiful they are, and  how special the island is to me, sort of like falling in love all over again. As I posted these pictures today, it suddenly dawned on me...I have now been living here 15 years. I missed the date somehow... July 2nd 1997,  the offical day of my arrival, the start, of what has been a wonderful adventure, my life on an island. xo, Diana

Bananas. Caramel. Rum. Ice Cream.  Seriously....run to the kitchen :) Bananas Foster 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 2 pinches ground cinnamon 1 pinch fine salt 2 (or more) ripe but firm bananas, peeled and sliced 1/4 cup dark rum Vanilla Ice Cream 1. Place the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until a bubbly and slightly thickened caramel forms, about 3 minutes. 2. Add the bananas,in a single layer. Cook until the bananas are coated with caramel, about 1 minute. (Don’t overcook or the bananas will get mushy.) 3. Remove the pan from the heat, add the rum, and let it sit a few seconds so the rum warms up.If you’re using a gas stove, place the pan back on the burner over medium heat and slightly tip it so the burner flames ignite the alcohol. (Don’t actually let the alcohol touch the flame, and don’t pour it out of the pan.) If you’re using an electric stove, ligh

Last night I had a dream, I dreamed I was eating this sandwich ! Yes I know, who the heck dreams about food......uhm.....me. You see, it never fails, if I watch any of the food channels, before going to bed...I am doomed to go to bed starving, and then dream about food. So today for lunch, this sandwich had to happen. Very easy to put together, just be sure to use some really good bread. Caprese Panini 2 slices of good bread slices of fresh mozzarela basil leaves sun-dried tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) balsamic vinegar olive oil On top of one of the slices of bread, layer, mozzarela, tomatoes, basil, and add some more mozzarela. Drizzle with some balsamic vinegar. Top with the other slice of bread. Drizzle with olive oil, and rub in, repeat on other side. Place on a hot grill/frying pan/panini maker/. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or just till cheese starts to melt. xo, Diana

I am ashamed to say... I thought granola was complicated to make.....it's NOT! Who knew !! It is so easy to make, which is a good thing, because we have been munching on this non-stop. The kids like to snack on it, I love it with greek yougurt. The really hard part is waitng for it to be done, you have to watch it carefully so, it does not burn. Granola 4 cups of oats 1 cup of brown sugar 1 cup of melted butter 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons of vanilla added to the butter (optional)   Heat oven to  160º/300 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl Poor onto a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper Bake for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes for even baking. Let cool, then store.     found :/ http://keephomesimple.blogspot.pt/   xo,Diana