Azoresgal~Life on an Island

This has been such a life saver in my kitchen ! It gets dinner on the table really quick, for those super rushed nights. I love that I know whats in the mix...as opposed to a mix that you could buy. It makes a simple, yummy chili, that my kids really love ! We use 2 tablespoons of mix, and I find it has just enough spice. If you want to leave out the chili flakes, go right ahead ! Chili Seasoning Mix 4 tablespoons of chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons paprika 2 tablespoons ground cumin 3 teaspoons  salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 1/4 cup of flour In a medium container ( I just use a jar), combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper and the flour.  Give it all a really good shake, and store. ***** to use 2 Tablespoo...

I have been under the weather lately...lots of things on my mind. Almost like a noise, a constant buzzing. Somethings are totally out of my hands, some others have just left me so perplexed, and confused, and I am not quite sure how to fix them. So I have been going over things, in my head, over and over again. Trying to get rid of the noise, that has left me somewhat, unbalanced. Yesterday, the search for calm, led me to my old faithful friend, my kitchen. I just wanted to make some bread, some people like yoga, I like baking bread. It just seems to calm me down, bring me into a very quiet, place. There is something about kneading the dough,  that is soothing.  And the smell of freshly baked bread in the kitchen, that is just magical ! This is a very simple, very rustic loaf of bread, with very few ingredients. It bakes up quickly, smells divine, and slathered with butter, just hits the spot. This bread doesn't come with bells and whistles , it's not a show stopper, but it is...

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.                          ~Henry David Thoreau  I was a lucky girl, and was gifted these wonderful pumpkins, from my cousin's garden !   Preparing pureed pumpkin is oh so very easy. The pumpkin may be stored in the freezer for using later in pies, muffins,soup etc. Preheat oven to 165 / 325 degrees. Cut the pumpkin in half, stem to base. Remove seeds and pulp. Cover each half with foil. Bake in the preheated oven, foil side up, 1 hour, or until tender. Scrape pumpkin meat from shell halves and puree in a blender.  Strain to remove any remaining stringy pieces.  Measure out 1 cup servings.  Store in the freezer in freezer safe bags or containers.

So I am just going to say this : "I love Valentine's Day " ! There I said it, and I am not ashamed of it !   Is it really so bad to have a day dedicated to Love ? I am a firm believer, that you don't have to "BUY" into the whole commercial side of it. I don´t need flowers ( I don´t even like roses), and I really don't care for jewellery ( is Mr. G lucky or what ? )...I do however love food ! I confess it's how I show love, so what better way then to start the day, with the Red Velvet Pancakes, made with love for Mr. G ! Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 Tbsp cocoa powder 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups milk 2 Tbsp white vinegar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 1/2 Tbsp red food coloring 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup salted butter, melted Cream Cheese Glaze 6 oz cream cheese, softened 6 Tbsp butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup milk, plus more if desired 1/2 tsp...

Breakfast of champions.....on our little island Carnaval is in full swing...that means lots of eating and drinking, before ash Wednesday, and  Lent ! So in true fashion...a very sinful slice of rich chocolate cake for breakfast, and a tall glass of cold milk. Please don´t judge me, I swear I am a good girl, with..... bad habits ! xo, Diana

Mr.G and I were lucky enough to get away for a couple of days, he went for work, I got to tag along for play ! We traded in our peaceful little island, for a couple of days in the lovely city of Lisbon. We had a fantastic time, no cooking for 5 whole days, it isn't easy, but I managed. A girl's got to do, what a girl's got to do !  xo, Diana