Azoresgal~Life on an Island

This meal is SUPER easy, it's made in one pot and most importantly everyone loves it. The genius behind this recipe is Nigella Lawson, her use of orzo  pasta instead of rice, to produce a creamy, risotto-like dish, with  no stirring, is like I said, genius. The fact that it comes together really quickly, makes it perfect for week night meals. The sweetness of the peas next to the crunchy salty bacon are a match made in  heaven. The recipe as is, makes 4 small servings, so for my family of five, I double it. Well do you think you will try it ? I hope you do, it really is a keeper !  2 Tbs. garlic-flavored oil (or add a peeled garlic clove to regular olive oil and cook until golden; discard garlic, use oil)  6 ounces cubed pancetta (or diced, thick-cut bacon)  1 1/4 cups frozen petits pois (baby peas)  8oz orzo pasta 2 1/2 cups boiling water  Salt, to taste  1 Tb. soft butter  2 Tbs. grated Parmesan ( I added 1/2 cu...

Bôla de Carnes, is a traditional Portuguese bread, it´s a savory quick bread, that has all sorts of cold meats, leftover meats, or deli meats added to it. I also like to add some cheese to it, just because it can´t hurt !  This is one of my favorite things to make to take on a picnic, or to serve at parties, but it´s also really handy, when you don't know what to make for dinner! This was the case for yesterday, the day got away, as sometimes it does, I knew I had leftovers for Mr.G, but wasn´t quite sure what to make for the kids, when I remembered this. There are many versions for this, and for the most part they are made while using "the force ", no recipe, just eyeballing it. When there is a recipe, the common measure used is a "chavena" known to you and I as a coffee cup/mug, and yes it is a legit form of measurement! You can make this in two different ways, the first is as a cake, with all the cold cuts chopped in, and poured into a tube pan. The second wa...

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” – John Gunther  This weekend Mr.G and I hosted a brunch for some family and friends. I think that brunch is the perfect meal, it's not too early, it's relaxed, you can eat breakfast or lunch, drink coffee or Mimosa's! The hardest part really is deciding on the perfect spread - balancing the sweet and savory foods and of course making sure it all comes together at the same time. The night before, I set the tables and prepare anything that can be made  ahead of time. There is no shame in buying pastries, cookies and bread from the bakery, it means more time for other things. I think I did pretty well, if I do say so myself!  It was the perfect lazy Sunday spent  around our table with delightful company, enjoying delicious food. This, was our brunch spread: Blueberry Muffins Greek Yogurt Parfaits Pancakes Bacon Breakfast Sausage Scrambled Eggs Oven Roasted Potatoes Sauteed Mushrooms Assorted Cook...

 This recipe is so easy to make and it only consists of 3 ingredients; fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon. Did I tell you how delicious these are ? The jalapeno peppers are first sliced in half then seeded, stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped with bacon and grilled.  Seriously are you still with me, or did I loose you at "wrapped with bacon"?  These are such a great side dish to any meats you might be grilling, or a fantastic appetizer for a party. You really should wear gloves when slicing and seeding the jalapenos, because they can burn your hands. 20 jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded 1-2 boxes cream cheese, softened 1-2 packages  bacon, cut into halves  Halve and seed the jalapenos. Please wear rubber/latex gloves when doing this to prevent burns. Stuff each half with cream cheese and wrap with a half piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.  Grill on the BBQ or cook in pre-heated oven at 350/180 until bacon in done. **You ...

I have a confession to make...uhm...this was the first time I ever ate lentils ! Shocking I know...and I really have no clue as to what took me so long to try them. This soup was delicious ( might have something to do with the bacon ) and real fast to make. In 30 minutes it was ready to serve for dinner, and the hubby and I enjoyed it very much.The wonderful  Mr.G had the light version sans creme fraiche and sans  parmesan cheese, grated on top. You all know I went for all the toppings, go big or go home, I say ! 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 bay leaves 2 slices of bacon, finely chopped 1 teaspoon thyme leaves ¾ cup (150g)  lentils 1.25 litres (5 cups) chicken stock Sea salt and cracked black pepper Finely grated parmesan and sour cream, to serve Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, onion, bay leaves and bacon and cook for 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the thyme, lentils and stock, cover and simmer for 20 min...

This is a favorite summer time salad.  Ok the bacon really helps make it a favorite summer salad ! The cranberries add some sweetness along with the saltiness of the bacon. The crunch of fresh broccoli  and the nuts and seeds, just makes it a winner ! I would say the most important part here is the bacon    the dressing, the rest is really a mix and match of what you might have on hand, at the momment ! SALAD: 2 heads fresh broccoli, washed and cut into bite-size flowerets ½ cup chopped green onions or red onion or white ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins or grapes 1 cup slivered almonds or walnuts or sunflower seeds ( or combination) ½ – 1 cup crumbled bacon  (about 200g diced, fried and drained) DRESSING: 1 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons white vinegar ⅓ cup sugar ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Add broccoli,  bacon, onions, cranberries, nuts and seeds to a large bowl.  Next, make the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, vineg...

This was divine....seriously divine ! My kids absolutely loved it, they love bacon, just like their momma ! As I made this, I kept thinking, of how great this would be, with some jalapeno peppers added to it. I can hardly wait, for all the jalapenos in the garden to grow.When that happens, I will for sure have to give it a try. This is such an easy dish to prepare, I have said it before, just as fast as using the stuff that comes in the box. Give this version a try, I think you will like it ! To this recipe , I added 200g. of diced bacon, which I pan fried.

This is such an easy meal to make. It is one of our favorites, I think my 7 year old Simon, would eat this everyday, if I made it that often. This time it was lovely to actually use leeks from our garden. If you prefer not to add the peas, thats ok too. The only think you must do, is use real parmesan cheese, it will make all the difference. I used spaghetti, but any pasta is fine. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil 2 packages diced bacon 2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), halved lengthwise, thinly sliced 500g spaghetti, or any other pasta 2 large eggs, room temperature 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving 2 cups baby peas (or less) optional salt and pepper to taste Directions: Sauté bacon and leeks butter or olive oil, in large pan over medium heat until bacon is cooked and the leeks are soft, about 6 -8 minutes. Set aside. Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but...

I would be very content to have this be served to me as my last meal on earth.  Fried egg and bacon, on top of crunchy toasted bread.... SERIOUSLY what's not to love !   It is really quite versatile too, serve it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is also medicinal...tis´true....perfect for curing hangovers ( so I´ve been told  ). There are really no rules to this sandwich, anything goes, make it your way, just to your liking. Ingredients: 2 pieces of bread 4 slices of bacon ( or more, much more ) 1 egg Directions: 1. In a small frying pan, cook the 4 slices of bacon, when bacon is cooked, remove onto some paper towels. Next fry the egg in the bacon fat egg , to your  desired “over-easy” or “well-done”, it's up to you ! 2. Toast 2 pieces of bread.... ( here you can the SLATHER with butter, or mayo, or jam etc.) 3. Cut the slices of bacon in half and lay on toast. Top with the egg. 4. Again this is your sandwich, you can add cheese, or lettuc...

That´s right BACON and CHEESE.....did I mention BACON ! Go on, run into the kitchen !! Bacon Cheese Dip 1 unsliced round loaf bread 2 cups  cheese, shredded ( I used 4 cheeses) 1 cup  Parmesan cheese, shredded 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup finely diced onion (small onion) 2 packages diced bacon ( fried) 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp crushed red chile flakes Pre-heat oven to  180º/350 degrees. Slice the top quarter off the loaf of bread and set aside. Carefully hollow out the inside, leaving a 1 inch shell.  Cube removed bread and set aside for dipping. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl, spoon into bread bowl. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and cover with the reserved top quarter of the loaf to prevent the dip from becoming to brown while baking.  Add the bread you scooped out Bake for 45 minutes or until heated through. Serve with bread cubes and crackers. xo,Diana