Azoresgal~Life on an Island

These are perfect for a rainy day, and a great way to use up stale bread. I grew up with my mom making these, usually on the weekend for an afternoon treat or to top off dinner when dinner was leftovers,  and sometimes they were dinner. Very similar to a french toast or a pain perdu , the batter is different though, it has flour added to it. They are shallow fried, and then sprinkled with sugar. My mom has always made them with sliced white bread, that's how I make them too. Tradtionally though, they would be made with sliced rustic bread. These are lovely with some coffee or with a spot of tea, they take a little time to make, but are well worth it. 1 3/4  cups flour 3/4 cups sugar 3 eggs 2 cups of milk pinch of salt sliced stale/ day old bread (about 20 slices) oil for frying sugar for topping In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, eggs milk and pinch of salt, until you get a smooth batter (I use my emersion blender). Get your bread ready, slice it

This is one of our favorite cakes here at home. I usually bake it on Saturday afternoon, and by Monday it is gone. If that isn't an indicator of how good it is, then I don't know what is! It's pretty simple and not too fiddly to make. Requires very basic ingredients, but results in a tall, fluffy, beautiful cake. 1/4 cup cocoa 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 cup hot water 2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup oil (I use 1 cup) 7 eggs separated 3/4 cup water ( I use 1/4 cup) 2 teaspoons vanilla Preheat oven to 180/350. In a small bowl, mix cocoa and baking soda in the 1/4 cup hot water until it is a thick paste. Reserve. In a medium bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Reserve. In the work bowl of stand mixer, pour oil, egg yolks, the 3/4 cup water, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until white and fluffy, and soft