Azoresgal~Life on an Island

 Risotto is actually not difficult to make it just takes some time..no rushing, your attention and lots of stirring. Take some  Arborio rice, brown it in a little butter and slowly add hot stock a bit at a time until it's all absorbed and the rice is tender. The constant stirring breaks down the starches and makes the rice very tender and oh so very creamy.  Shrimp & Mussel Risotto 2 tablespoons butter (or more) 1  small yellow onion, chopped finely OR 4/5 shallots which add sweetness 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup Arborio rice 1 cup dry white wine 3 2/3 cups stock (seafood, vegetable, or chicken) or up to 4 cups 500 g. shrimp, peeled and deveined 500 g. mussels (meat only) 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated sea salt and cracked black pepper parsley (minced) In a large skillet melt the butter over medium-high heat and cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Meanwhile, heat

When life gives you lemons  a friend gives you lemons from their orchard, and another friend gives you fresh farm eggs, there is only one thing to do...BAKE ! Our weather has been so grey and feels like we haven't seen the sun in what feels like 40 days. I decided to bake some lemon tarts ! Six lovely little lemon tarts, bright and yellow, just like the sun ! Pastry: 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour 3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar 4 oz (125 g) unsalted butter, cut in cubes 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp (25 mL) lemon juice Filling: 3 eggs 3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (125 mL) melted unsalted butter 1 tbsp (15 mL) grated lemon rind 1/2 cup (125 mL) lemon juice Garnish: 2 tbsp (25 mL) icing sugar 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Combine flour and sugar in food processor. Distribute butter over flour. With on/off motion cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Beat together egg yolk and lemon juice in small b

It feels like it has been raining for the last 40 days ! I miss the sun...

Chocolate + Mint = Perfect Combo !  These just hit the spot, this past weekend. I still have leftover Christmas candy,one of the bags, some  peppermint patties, was crying to be put to use. I had seen some after-eight browines, on Pinterest, and just used what I had on hand instead. These are so easy peasy....and oh soooo delicious ! I used this brownie recipe, you could use a box mix as well. Pour half the batter into the baking pan, layer the mints, and cover with the remaining batter. Bake and Enjoy ! xo,Diana

I still pinch myself......I wake up to this view every morning !

If I were to put together a soundtrack for my life...one of the songs on there would have to be Bryan Adam's Heaven. It comes from one of my very favorite albums, I suppose because it is one of the first I ever bought. I am quite a purist when it comes to music,almost always, preferring the original and very stingy with covers. There are however some covers, that are right up there with the original or even better sometimes. I found this little gem yesterday, a cover by Brandi Carlile, of Heaven. It is wonderfully sweet, very pretty, nostalgic, and repeat worthy.  Needless to say, it has been added to my soundtrack. Have a wonderful weekend everyone ! xo, Diana