Azoresgal~Life on an Island

This Tangerine cake is a little burst of sunshine in the midst of all the gray weather we are having, and all the doom and gloom of late, being felt world wide. Where ever it is you may find yourself when reading this, I hope you and yours are all well! Ingredients 2 eggs 2 tangerines 1/2 cup vegetable oil (125ml) 1 cup sugar (225g) 2 cups self-rising flour or all-purpose flour + 2 teaspoons baking powder (226g) Instructions Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Grease and flour a flan pan or bundt cake pan. To a blender cup add, eggs, tangerines (cut in half without seeds), oil and sugar. Blend. In a medium bowl add flour and baking powder if using. Pour the tangerine mixture into the flour and mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. ** Sprinkle with icing sugar or top with a cream cheese frosting Tangerine Cream Cheese frosting 1 cup  cup crea...

 A Happy New Year to you all! The French Galette des Rois or “King Cake” celebrates the end of the Christmas season, on Epiphany January the 6th. It is made with two layers of puff pastry and filled with frangipane, a thick, sweet paste made from almonds, butter, eggs and sugar, and it is oh so delicious!   Tradionally baked inside the galette is a feve  (a broad bean), and when the galette is sliced, and divided up by the number of people present, the youngest child of the family gets to decide who has which piece and the person who gets the fève in their piece of cake gets to be crowned King or Queen, and is in charge for the day! Now to avoid a trip to the dentist, just place a piece of candied fruit, an almond or a rasin instead of a feve. This is the first time I ever made a Galette, and I am so pleased with it! I was scared to make one, I thought it was complicated, but you know what it's not! Lots of little steps, but nothing you can't do I promise! ...

  A rich and fudgy, easy to make, chocolate chip banana bread!  Made super quick with the use of a boxed cake mix, and made in one bowl!  Oh and please trust me,it tastes just as good as it looks! INGREDIENTS 3 Bananas Ripe, Mashed ( about 6 small island bananas) 1/3 cup Oil 3 Eggs Large 1 box Chocolate cake mix Or Devil’s Food cake 1 cup Chocolate chips Regular or mini 1/2 cup  chocolate chips for topping (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven 180C/350F In a large mixing bowl, mix together mashed bananas, oil and eggs until smooth. Add cake mix, chocolate chips and mix until just combined. Don’t over-mix! Pour batter into two greased/floured loaf pans (Dimensions: 8×4). Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and  on top. Bake 45- 50 minutes or until an inserted toothpick in the center comes out clean. *Don’t replace oil with butter because butter makes this bread too dense. *Make sure to use the ripest bananas you can find because ...

 This cake is easy to whip up, uses ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. It´s ooey-gooey, over-the-top, chocolatey, fudgy and  absolutely delicious! You don't have to take my word for it, make it and see for yourself! 1/2 c. butter 1 1/2 c. sugar 2 eggs, unbeaten 1/2 c. sour milk (1/2 c. milk + 2 tbsp. vinegar) 6 tbsp. cocoa 2 c. sifted flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. boiling water Preheat oven 180C/ 350 Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs. Beat well. Mix dry ingredients together. Add to creamed ingredients alternately with sour milk and vanilla, mixing well after each addition. Add boiling water and mix well. Batter will be very thin. Pour into greased 13x9 inch pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool. While the cake is baking, make the icing! Chocolate Icing: 1-1/2 cups sugar 4 tablespoons cocoa 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tsp salt 2 cups boiling water 1/4 cup butter 2 teaspoons vanilla ...

This easy gingerbread bundt cake has a soft delicate crumb infused with a warm combination of spices, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, & clove.  I love the way this cake looks when made with a bundt pan, but you can also bake it in a 9-inch x 13-inch pan. The butter sauce is optional, you truly don’t need it; the cake is delicious without it. But in my house, everything is better with a butter sauce. CAKE 2 1/2 cups  All-Purpose Flour 2 tablespoons gingerbread spice; (or 2 1/2 teaspoons ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon allspice) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed 2 large eggs 1/2 cup molasses 1 cup water INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F/180C. Lightly grease a 10- to 12-cup bundt-style pan. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, gingerbread spice, salt, baking soda, a...

I had some ricotta sitting in the fridge for a little while, that was going to expire soon. So I thought I would search for a sweet recipe that would help me use it up. I found this simple cake, it’s so moist, rich in flavor, and just plain delicious! The ricotta makes it light and delicate, it has a melt-in-your-mouth texture, you will not be able to stop at one slice. Dusted with icing sugar just before serving, it is absolutely beautiful. My family loved it, and I am sure your family will love it too. 8 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 pinch salt 1 cup fresh ricotta (250 grams) zest of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 large apple, peeled and grated (should yield about 1 cup) confectioners sugar for serving Heat the oven to 180C/ 350F˚. Butter and flour a 9 or 10-inch springform pan.(I like to line the pan with parchment paper) Cream the butter and sugar in a sta...

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 ...

Can you believe it's the last week of November and that we are coming up on Christmas again? I must admit, I am already a bit excited about it, it's by far my most favorite time of the year. I can't tell you how many times over the years, I have wanted to share this recipe with you, but by the time I got  around to actually baking my cake and wanting to post the recipe, Christmas had already passed. So this year I am finally adding it here, the pictures are from last year, because I am no where ready for the holidays, and  because life happens, I will probably only bake this cake the night before Christmas, again  this year. I know that alot of people can't stand fruit cake, but you see I married a man who loves it! Yes Mr. G is the reason I bake this cake every year, I will not judge the man for loving candied fruit, he's just lucky he is cute! Truth be told, I really do not like anything with candied fruit in it, but this cake I will eat. Lord know's I sure ha...

This is an old-fashioned cake recipe, made with a surprise ingredient...a can of fruit cocktail. I bet you have a can forgotten somewhere in your pantry, right now. When I was growing up,  my mom would  sometimes serve fruit cocktail for dessert. I always tried to scoop out extra cherries into my bowl. Sadly, there were never enough of those bright red cherries in the can..I wonder why? Anywho... by adding a whole can of fruit into the batter, the syrup too, you do not add any fat to the mix.   Now there may not be any fat in the cake,  but the scrumptious butter sauce is another story!  This cake is so delicious and easy to make!I promise you, this will become a family favorite. 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar ( I like brown sugar) 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1  can fruit cocktail with juice (840g) 2 cups flour Sauce 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk/ cream/ evaporated milk 1 tablespoon butter 1 tsp. vanilla Instructions To make cake: 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...

Angel food cake is light, airy and fluffy-as-a-cloud! Simple to make, and super delicious, a perfect spring-time dessert that you can make with only a few ingredients. It is lovely served on its own, but is also wonderful served with fresh fruit, or a fruit sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. 1 cup (130 g) cake flour (not self-rising) 1 cup (200 g), plus 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups egg whites (from about 12 large eggs), at room temperature 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Have a 9-inch (23 cm) tube pan ready. (Do not use a non-stick tube pan.) Set oven rack to the lowest position. 2. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. 3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, begin to whip the egg whites on medium speed. When they become foamy, add the cream of tartar and lemon juice. 4. Increase the speed to high and conti...

 I love the simplicity of this recipe, with very few ingredients it is a keeper in my books. Brazilian Carrot Cake is a popular cake in Brazil, it’s different from the American carrot cake recipes. This has no addition of spices, it is just made with carrots, that are blended not grated with the other ingredients. It is rich in flavor, has a wonderful fluffy texture and is coated with a delicious chocolate sauce. 4 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 4 eggs, 1 cup canola oil 2 cups sugar 1 pinch salt 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tablespoon baking powder chocolate sauce 4 tablespoons cocoa powder 6 tablespoons  sugar 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions:  for the cake Heat oven to 350F/180 C  Put eggs, carrots and oil in a blender. Blend on high for about 2 minutes or until there are no more big pieces of carrots left. Add sugar and salt and blend until well incorporated. Add 1 cup of flour ...

 Baking banana bread is such a great way to use ripened bananas. Not only is this recipe super easy to make, but it is very delicious. It’s  great for breakfast, the perfect after school snack or a sweet surprise in a lunch box. If you would like to jazz up the flavor a bit, you could add walnuts or chocolate chips. Oh by the way, it's really great with cream cheese frosting too...just sayin'. Banana Bread 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups brown sugar 7 large ripe bananas, mashed ( our bananas are very small, so I use 14) 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 eggs, slightly beaten 3 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon cinnamon chopped walnuts (opt.) Directions: Makes two loaves of banana bread. 1. Cream the butter and sugar. Blend in the bananas, vanilla and eggs. 2. Whisk together the dry ingredients. 3. Add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Pour into two greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. 4. Bake at 350F. Ch...

Red velvet cupcakes smothered in cream cheese frosting are one of life's sweet little pleasures. For Valentines day I wanted to change them up a bit, well not really the cupcake itself, but the presentation. I placed them in little jars. Making  jar cupcakes is seriously easy, really it takes just a few simple steps. Bake up a batch of Red Velvet cupcakes ( from a box or made from scratch), then in a jar, you layer, frost and repeat. Easy peasy right ?  Add a pretty ribbon, a spoon and voilà, you’ve got a stunning dessert. These would also make  the perfect party favor, or a little thank you gift…Jar cupcakes are quick, easy and  delicious... heaven in a jar! Bake your cupcakes, and make your frosting ( recipe here ) To Assemble in Jars 1. Slice cupcakes horizontally into 2-3 layers depending on how thick you want your layers to be. 2. Place one cupcake layer into the bottom of your jar, pipe a layer of cream cheese frosting directly onto th...

  A friend shared  this recipe with me, the first year I was married, almost 18 years ago. I was amazed by it's simplicity, and how  the ingredients were measured with the little yogurt pot! It's a lovely cake to have after school, for when the kids come home. I usually make it on weekends, for breakfast , it's great with a cup of tea or coffee. Cakes don’t get easier than this! 1 pot (125g) of natural yogurt or flavored (1/2 cup) 1 pot of vegetable oil 2 pots of sugar 3 pots of flour 3 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons of baking powder 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or almond Preheat your oven at 180°C //350 In a bowl, empty the natural yogurt pot or  a fruit yogurt it will flavor your cake! Then add all the ingredients measuring them with the empty yogurt pot and mix everything with a whisk until you get a lump free mixture. Pour the mixture into a prepared  small cake pan (sprayed or greased and floured). Bake for 30-35 mi...

 This is one of my favorite recipes, I have had for atleast 15 years. It is hand written on a tattered and yellowing page in my very old cookbook. I haven’t made it in such a long time and I’m wondering why since it’s SO good. It is a great coffee cake, very pretty and it tastes great too. For variety, you can use your choice of pie filling in place of cherry pie filling, strawberry or blueberry. The glaze is optional, but yummy, I did not add it today, as I was out of icing sugar. I hope you try it, you won't regret it. Enjoy your weekend ! 3/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 1/4 cups flour 3/4 cup white sugar 3/4 cup butter 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 can (19 oz.) cherry pie filling 1/3 cup sliced almonds Glaze (optional) 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon almond essence Directions: Combine milk and lemon juice. Set aside. Combine flour and sugar in food pr...

We are still in the depths of winter, and the island has been grey and windy. Today it rained all day, and I have been dreaming about summer. Right now the only thing close to summer, is the many jars of jam and jelly I have in the hutch in my kitchen. I went looking through the jars today, and way in the back, found a jar of grape jam. It made me really happy, funny how a jar of jam can do that, it reminded me of late August, and it's lazy afternoons. I decided to bake something, I haven't made in a very long time..in fact way too long, a simple jelly roll. It turned out lovely, warmed up the kitchen, and put some smiles on our faces. 3/4 cup flour 3/4 teaspoon  Baking Powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup Jam  - flavor is your choice, ( I used grape) confectioners' sugar/ or sugar Instructions: Mix together flour, Baking Powder and salt. In a small bowl beat together eggs and sugar until well mixed and ...