Azoresgal~Life on an Island

Hiraeth: (n) Welsh - A deep, wistful, nostalgic sense of longing for a home; a home that is no longer or perhaps never was. A yearning and wistful grief for people and things long gone. Hiraeth ... this Welsh word, for some odd reason has stuck with me for quite some time. It has been saved on my phone, and on my laptop countless times.  I think it reminds me of the portuguese word Saudade . The first time I came across this word  and read it´s meaning, it stopped me in my tracks...I instantly thought of  my maternal grandparents house, here in the Azores.  It's the place I am most nostalgic about and find myself missing. From as early as the age of one, it´s where all of my childhood vacations took place, where I met my grandfather and grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins who instantly became childhood friends.  A magical little house by the sea, where I was fortunate enough to spend Christmas, Easter, and summers more than once. There were trips we spent as long as four

 Tis' the season to invite family and friends over for a Christmas lunch or dinner to enjoy good food and wonderful company. This weekend Mr.G and I did exactly that, we hosted our Christmas lunch, and it was fantastic! Lots of story telling, lots of laughter, the kids giggling, the youngest baby peacefully sleeping, oh and lots of glorious food ! I tried to keep the menu simple, while having enough food for 25...yup you read that right, 25 and growing! The mains where turkey and ham, both roasted in our brick oven. I also made a potato and leek soup , and for side dishes, I made, portuguese stuffing, mac & cheese, brown sugar glazed carrots, roasted brussel sprouts , gravy, mashed potatoes, for dessert a Black Forest Pavlova .... and a partridge in a pear tree! Now I know you must be thinking... I thought you said simple...  and it was , the hardest thing, heating the brick oven early, to be able to roast the turkey and the ham, and have them done for our 1pm lunch ! So

 These Peanut Butter Bars couldn’t be easier, with only 5 ingredients and no-baking, the hardest part is waiting for them to chill in the fridge. Oh and lets not forget.... they are really delicious too. Is there anything better than peanut butter and chocolate together? My kiddos, Sara and Simon, actually made them, they are perfect for little hands to help with! Christmas is just around the corner, and these are perfect for your cookie plate, of for sharing as a gift. I hope you give them a try! 1 cup butter or margarine, melted 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (Marie biscuits or Digestive cookies) 2 cups confectioners' sugar 1 cup peanut butter 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (200gr, chocolate) 4 tablespoons peanut butter In a medium bowl, mix together the butter or margarine, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan, I like to line my pan with parchme