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 place of the

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 using. -Nex

  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 incorporated and mixed in. The key is not to