Azoresgal~Life on an Island

Do yourself a favor, make these ! They are delish, and terribly addictive.This easy Cracker Toffee recipe usescrackers and a few common ingredients to make a very  good candy that’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey. Who could ask foranything more ??!!  You can make it more gourmet by adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the top, or adding swirls of white or milk chocolate. You just have to really watch them while they are in the oven..they burn quickly ( I speak from experience ). They make such a lovely gift in a tin or box. Of course you always have the option of not sharing  just making them for your holiday table. I so hope you give these a try ! 1 cup butter (NOT margarine) 1 cup brown sugar 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips ( I melt 2 chocolate tablets in the microwave) 40 saltine crackers (about) chopped almonds (optional) Heat oven to 200C / 400F. Line 12x17 cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray . Layer the saltine cracker...

I will warn you right now, this is a very addictive little recipe! It is a great appetizer, that wil have everyone fighting over the dish. With that said, this is however not very diet friendly, unless of course you consider the generous amount of spinach, and artichokes, both of which are vegetables! Any of the dairy products, could be replaced with lite/low fat options, without a hitch, if you wish. 1 can of artichokes (drained and chopped) 2-3 blocks of frozen spinach (thawed and drained) or more 1 small packge grated parmesan cheese ( about 1 cup) 1 bag of shredded cheese ( to your liking) 1 package cream cheese 1 small jar of mayonaise (or about 1 cup) 2-3 minced cloves of garlic salt and pepper to taste chili flakes to taste In a bowl, add the mayonaise, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, shredded cheese, and minced garlic, give everything a quick mix. Next add in the chopped, well drained artichokes, and the thawed, chopped, well d...

Cookies and Christmas, pretty much go together.....like....peanut butter and jelly! This was the first time I ever baked gingersnaps.....why did I wait so long to make these? They are divine, seriously, they were well loved by everyone, in less then 24 hours....they were ALL gone. Did I mention I baked about 7 dozen or more....so you see..they are really, really good. I must give you fair warning, they take quite a while to make, that´s just due to the quantity. I promise they are easy, but be sure to give yourself some time. The morning I made these, cutie pie ,  Mr.Michael Buble  crooned in the background, his wonderful Christmas album. So no rushing when you make these...choose a CD, pour yourself a glass of wine  some coffee, and bake away, even the littles ones can help. Baking cookies and making memories, not a bad thing at all. Gingersnaps 2- C. Sugar- 1-1/2 C. Oil 2 Eggs ½ C. Molasses 4 C. All-Purpose Flour 4 tsp. Baking S...

Around here, at our house, it's beginning to look  taste like Christmas ! These little tender, tasty cookies, are so festive, they make a wonderful addition to any Christmas cookie plate. And without a doubt, would even make a nice gift, for friends, neighbours, teachers, and the mailman. The kids helped out with these, unwrapping the candy cane kisses, and little hands love rolling the cookie dough in the sugar too. Really quick and easy, you should really try them, you won't regret it ! Candy Cane Blossoms (found here) HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Candy Cane Mint Candies 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine , softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons milk Red or green sugar crystals, granulated sugar or powdered sugar Directions 1 Heat oven to  180/350°F. Remove wrappers from candies. 2 Beat butter, granulated sugar, egg and vanilla...

Did you really think, there would only be ONE cranberry recipe ! If you know me by now, that's not like me to post only one recipe, besides I had to use up all these beautiful cranberries ! This was a winner as well, it has a lovely crumb, and once again tastes like Christmas. Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 tablespoon orange zest 3/4 cup orange juice 1 eggs 1 cup cranberries, chopped ( fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup nuts (optional) 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 cup sifted powdered sugar enough extra orange juice, to reach drizzling consistency Grease/spray bottom only of a 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pan. Or use baking paper, my favorite option. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda Add margarine and mix until crumbly. Add peel, 3/4 c orange juice, and egg; stir until moistened Add cranberries and nuts. Po...