Azoresgal~Life on an Island

A super simple layered dip that you can put together in minutes and it's perfect for feeding a crowd. So if you are having a BBQ or a party anytime soon, give it a try, serve with tortilla chips and dip away! I promise it will be a hit! 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix  1 (16 ounce) can refried beans 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese/ or four-cheese Mexican blend 1 bunch chopped green onions sliced black olives, drained (optional) sliced jalapenos, drained (optional) In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter or large bowl. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans. Top the layers with salsa. Next top with Cheddar cheese and chopped  green onions.  Optional: Garnish with black olives and Jalapenos. ** I use greek yogurt in pla...

What are lapas you ask? They are limpets, a shellfish, think clams, but  with only one shell and so much better, they taste of the sea when eaten raw, right out of the shell. Perhaps eating a raw limpet is not your thing, then lapas grelhadas is sure to be! Easy to prepare, the lapas are grilled and served in their own shells; resulting in a savory, and divine dish. Great as a starter or as a lazy summer afternoon meal. I promise that you will enjoy this  Azorean delicacy. Fresh Lapas Butter, soft, I like salted Garlic, minced Massa de Malagueta or Piri Piri/Tabasco/Sriracha Lemon Wedges -Clean the lapas, removing any debris, sand etc. -Next decide how you want to grill them, on the stove top, use a griddle or large frying pan, in the oven or BBQ use a large cookie sheet. They all work, and taste great! -Carefully, arrange the lapas, shell down (cupped side down, this means the juices won’t spill out), on the pan, cookie sheet or griddle you will be...

  Everyone who is Portuguese and their mother has a recipe for a Pão de Ló, it's a classic. A super simple sponge cake, that is  fluffy, light, delicious and   made with a few basic ingredients! Pão de ló can be served with a scoop of ice cream, fresh fruit or eaten as it is. I promise you, this traditional dessert is good for any occasion and   will not disappoint. 10 eggs (room temp) 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 cups sifted flour 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp grated lemon peel or orange peel or vanilla – Optional Pre-heat oven, 180/ 350º -Beat eggs  and sugar in electric mixer for about 20 minutes, on medium high speed, mixture will be very thick. - Mix flour, cornstarch, salt and baking powder in a bowl, ( I like to sift it) -Next with mixer running low, and in your flour mixture, I divide it into about four parts, using a big spoon. Just keep the mixer running slow, till it is all...