Azoresgal~Life on an Island

These are such a luxurious treat, made with three simple ingredients ! Dried figs, chocolate and sea salt, are a match made in heaven. Making this a wonderful combination for your taste buds. The contrast between salty and sweet is amazing. They are so elegant looking, and would make such a lovely gift. So impressive and yet so easy, I really hope you give them a try. 100g chocolate (70% dark was used here) 12 dried figs 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (Maldon is what I used) Break or cut the chocolate bar into pieces and melt over a water bath.  Gently mold each fig back into its natural shape if it's been tightly packaged. Holding by the stem, dip each fig in melted chocolate and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt while the chocolate is still liquid. recipe source

This classic French-Canadian meat pie is a substantial dish, and a pleasant addition to your table for the holiday season. Here is a little bit of history :  The tourtière is a French-Canadian meat pie that originated in the province of Quebec in Canada as early as 1600. Most recipes for tourtière include ground pork and other ground meats.  The tourtière is a traditional part of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Quebec, but the pie is also enjoyed at other times and throughout Canada. There is some debate about the origin of the name of the dish. Some believe that the dish is named after the now extinct passenger pigeons, called “tourtes,” that were cooked into the original pies.  Others argue that the pie is named after the deep ceramic baking dish that families used to create the pies.  It is, however, agreed that by 1611, the word tourtière had come to refer to the pastry containing meat or fish that was cooked in this medium-deep, round or rectangular dish. There are arg

This cranberry ketchup is fantastic and festive too. The tangy, tart bite of the cranberries, and the sweetness of the onion and sugar, make it a winner ! It was really fast to make, less than 30 minutes ! I added extra spices, because I just can´t leave things alone. I will be serving this tonight with Tourtiere for our Christmas Eve dinner. I think they will compliment each other really well ! Hope you give it a try ! 1 2/3 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped shallots ( onions would be ok ) 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (*pinch of cayenne) *pinch of cinnamon, pinch of cloves (added by me) Preparation Combine cranberries, brown sugar, chopped shallots, cider vinegar, water, salt, and red pepper in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook 10 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Pour into a blender; pro

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me a couple of weeks ago, and I can't thank her enough for it ! It was a big hit with my family, I have made it I think once a week, since she gave me the recipe. So quick to make, and really very pretty too. It is great hot or cold, and so very versatile. I think you could mix and match the fillings to your own likings, and it would still be a winner. The orginal recipe uses crescent rolls ,Pillsbury,  this brand is not found here, but I was quite pleased when I used something similar I found at my grocery store. I think puff pastry would also be smashing used here. I really..really hope you give this a try ! I loved..loved it with this mango chutney !! 2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (usually 2-3 chicken breasts) 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli (cooked) 2 cups  shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 1/2  cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons dried dill weed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 garlic clove, presse

Tis´ the season to drink eggnog ! I think you either love eggnog or hate it, I happen to enjoy it!.I like it cold though instead of warm. There are so many recipes out there for eggnog...dont´believe me...google it. This is one of my favorites..simple, easy and not fussy at all. I like to sprinkle mine with some cinnamon, want to make even richer add some whipped cream. Ingredients 2 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 large eggs 3/4 rum or spiced rum or brandy or adjust to your liking Directions In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream, sugar, and nutmeg just to a simmer, do not boil. In a blender, blend the eggs on low speed for 1 minute. With the motor running, gradually add the hot cream mixture, and the vanilla. Blend until frothy, about 30 seconds more. Add the brandy and blend to combine. Serve warm.(or refrigerate and serve chilled). Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon. recipe source

 Challah is an amazing bread, and I am sorry I waited this long to make it! It somehow scared me, I thought it would be complicated. Turns out it is a simple process, but it does take a little bit of time and effort. But when you  smell the bread baking, then see your beautiful braided challah on the dinner table,  it really makes it all worth it. As for braiding the Challah, I will add the link to the video, that helped me out ! Honey Challah Bread makes 2 loaves Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees) 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (2 packets) 1/2 cup sugar plus 1 tsp sugar 1/2 cup honey 8 tablespoon butter, softened 3 eggs 2 teaspoons salt 5 1/2 cups flour (or more if necessary) 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash Directions: 1.  Lightly oil a medium bowl and line a large baking sheet with silicon mat or parchment paper and set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, put warm water in the bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon s

 These are divine! When you bite into the crisp shell there is a soft rich chocolatey centre. So good. Everyone loves them and there is never any left on the plate. Perfect for the Christmas season ! I have yet to make them with a boozy filling, but I imagine, a bit of baileys or frangelico would be just wonderful ! Ingredients: 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 36  Oreo's 200g chocolate + 1 tablespoon crisco sprinkles Directions:  Place the Oreo's in the bowl of your food processor and chop until finely crumbled. Pour Oreo crumbs into a medium bowl. Add in cream cheese and mix until well combined. Or add cream cheese to the food processor, and pulse. Place  wax paper on a cookie sheet. Scoop out Oreo dough and roll a 1 inch ball of the mixture, setting it on the wax paper. Continue until all the Oreo mixture is used up. You'll have at least 3 dozen depending on the size. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, longer is better

Tis the season.....for magic and melancholy.

A creamy soup made with broccoli, carrots, and plenty of cheese! It is simple and delicious, make it extra special and serve it in a bread bowl. It is one of my favorites to make on a rainy day, to warm up everyone's bellies. 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup flour 1 medium onion, diced small 2 cups matchstick cut carrots 2 heads of broccoli, just the florets cut off (800 g frozen ) 4 cups chicken stock 4 cups milk (skim is what I used) 4 cups  cheddar cheese ( or any cheese you like ) 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg salt and fresh cracked pepper (go a little heavy on the pepper) 1.  Add carrots and broccoli to a saucepan. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are very tender, about 15 – 20 minutes. 2.  In a large soup pot, add butter and onion. Add salt and pepper. Saute over low heat until onions are tender. Add flour and cook for 2 -3 minutes. Add milk and whisk constantly until mixture starts to come to a boil. Then add chicken stock an