Azoresgal~Life on an Island

 Baking banana bread is such a great way to use ripened bananas. Not only is this recipe super easy to make, but it is very delicious. It’s  great for breakfast, the perfect after school snack or a sweet surprise in a lunch box. If you would like to jazz up the flavor a bit, you could add walnuts or chocolate chips. Oh by the way, it's really great with cream cheese frosting too...just sayin'. Banana Bread 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups brown sugar 7 large ripe bananas, mashed ( our bananas are very small, so I use 14) 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 eggs, slightly beaten 3 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon cinnamon chopped walnuts (opt.) Directions: Makes two loaves of banana bread. 1. Cream the butter and sugar. Blend in the bananas, vanilla and eggs. 2. Whisk together the dry ingredients. 3. Add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Pour into two greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. 4. Bake at 350F. Ch...

Red velvet cupcakes smothered in cream cheese frosting are one of life's sweet little pleasures. For Valentines day I wanted to change them up a bit, well not really the cupcake itself, but the presentation. I placed them in little jars. Making  jar cupcakes is seriously easy, really it takes just a few simple steps. Bake up a batch of Red Velvet cupcakes ( from a box or made from scratch), then in a jar, you layer, frost and repeat. Easy peasy right ?  Add a pretty ribbon, a spoon and voilà, you’ve got a stunning dessert. These would also make  the perfect party favor, or a little thank you gift…Jar cupcakes are quick, easy and  delicious... heaven in a jar! Bake your cupcakes, and make your frosting ( recipe here ) To Assemble in Jars 1. Slice cupcakes horizontally into 2-3 layers depending on how thick you want your layers to be. 2. Place one cupcake layer into the bottom of your jar, pipe a layer of cream cheese frosting directly onto th...

Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey ...  Golden Oreo Truffles – coated in white chocolate and decorated with candy hearts, or sprinkles. Really cute and perfect for Valentine’s Day! I used the recipe for Oreo Truffles, using golden oreos instead of regular oreos.

 Valentine's day is coming up and love is in the air! This 2 ingedient fudge is dangerously easy to make, it's smooth, creamy, delicious and perfect to share with your valentine. No valentine? No problem , that means there is more for you ! These are really cute for Valentine’s Day, but you can make them all year long, changing the flavors and colors of the frosting, and using dark chocolate instead of the white. 1 16oz can Strawberry Frosting ( not whipped) 1 12 oz bag White Chocolate chips ( I used 2- 200gr white chocolate tablets ) valentine sprinkles Line 8×8inch pan (20cmx20cm) with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray. Place white chocolate and frosting in medium bowl and melt in microwave by cooking in 30 second intervals, stirring and repeating, till chocolate melts. Stir until well mixed. Spread into the pan. Decorate top if desired. Place in refrigerator for at least half an hour to set. Cut into squares or use heart shape cooki...

This cinnamon bread wreath  has become a favourite in our home and it pretty much disappears as soon as it comes out of the oven. A wondeful treat – buttery, and cinnamon-y, that is easy peasy to make, I cheat and use store bought crescent dough ! It’s perfect served warm right out of the oven, makes your home smell amazing and the addition of an icing drizzle will make you swoon! 1 package crescent rolls 1//4 cup soft butter 1/4 cup sugar cinnamon Pre-heat oven 180º Open up the crescent roll dough, open and flatten it out, pressing the seams together. Spread some butter on the dough ( I use my hands). Next sprinkle with sugar, and then the cinnamon. Now, roll the dough just like you’re going to make cinnamon rolls. Next slice down the middle of the roll (the lenght of it) with a very sharp knife. You will have two long halves. Turn both halves of the dough with the cinnamon and sugar facing up. Now twist the two lengths of dough, like a rope,  and t...

If you are a regular to the blog, you are well aware by now, that I have an addiction....risotto! I just can´t help myself, it's always so delicious, regardless of what you add in. I find that a lot of people are afraid to make risotto, but please, give it a try, it truly is easy to make. Think of it as "fancy" comfort food, it takes a little bit of extra time, but it is so well worth it, you will not regret it! 3 Tablespoons butter 2 small shallots minced 1 cup arborio rice 1 cup white wine  4 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese 1 cup Peas (fresh or frozen) I used frozen In a large skillet, melt the butter and saute the shallots until translucent.  Add the rice and stir until slightly toasted.  Add the wine and let cook until all of the liquid is absorbed.  Turn heat down to low and stir in one cup of broth until completely absorbed.  Add more in cup increments until rice is al dente (30-40 minutes).  Add the p...

This pizza is the perfect combination of salty and sweet, a thin layer of fig jam topped with goat cheese and some thinly sliced prosciutto. It gets baked  until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is slightly crispy...are you still with me ?  It's incredibly simple, quick and delicious, what more could you ask for?  pizza dough, store bought or homemade 1 package of  Prosciutto 1 jar fig jam ( you won't use all of it) 1 package goat cheese, sliced Heat your oven up, really hot, as high as it will go, trust me, good pizza needs good heat. Flatten out your pizza dough, on a floured pizza pan or cookie sheet. ( I like to use cornmeal) Spread a nice layer of fig jam on top. Next, add strips/pieces of the prosciutto , and slices of the goat cheese. Next, bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or till cheese is melted notes: When done, slice, and drizzle with some balsamic glaze.