Azoresgal~Life on an Island

This Mac & Cheese has been on our menu rotation on repeat, it is that good! SUPER easy to make just add everything in the  slow cooker/crockpot and you end up with a classic, comforting dish.  It’s  become my favorite way to make mac and cheese and comes out perfect every time!  Friends I think you’re gonna like this one! INGREDIENTS 500 grams elbow macaroni (uncooked) 4 Tablespoons salted butter (sliced) 1 package cream cheese (cut into cubes) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or black pepper 3 cups whole milk 1/2 cup heavy cream (can also use whole milk) 3 cups  shredded  cheddar cheese ( or a mix of your favorites) INSTRUCTIONS Place the uncooked pasta into the bottom of the slow cooker. Put butter, cream cheese, salt and pepper on top. Then pour the milk and cream on top and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, or until the pasta is tender. Stir half way through. Once the noodles are read...

Well here we are, the 20th of August, and it feels like summer is over! I am not ready for summer to be over, even though temperatures have dropped,  its been raining for days and outside already feels like fall! So I say, step away from that pumpkin latte, and put away that blanket, and have faith that summer has not left us yet! To help, here is a super delicious bite to enjoy, while we wait for the sun!  ricotta cheese black pepper sea salt olive oil  slices of prosciutto fig jam slices of a nice rustic bread Preheat the oven to 200C.  Line the slices of bread on a cookie sheet and brush with olive oil on both sides.  Bake until golden and toasty, about 10-12 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Once your bread has cooled, spread with a small amount of fig jam.  Spread a few tablespoons of ricotta on top to cover.  Next place some prosciutto on top, tearing each slice into smaller pieces if necessary.  Crac...

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...

If you are a regular to the blog, you are well aware by now, that I have an addiction....risotto! I just can´t help myself, it's always so delicious, regardless of what you add in. I find that a lot of people are afraid to make risotto, but please, give it a try, it truly is easy to make. Think of it as "fancy" comfort food, it takes a little bit of extra time, but it is so well worth it, you will not regret it! 3 Tablespoons butter 2 small shallots minced 1 cup arborio rice 1 cup white wine  4 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese 1 cup Peas (fresh or frozen) I used frozen In a large skillet, melt the butter and saute the shallots until translucent.  Add the rice and stir until slightly toasted.  Add the wine and let cook until all of the liquid is absorbed.  Turn heat down to low and stir in one cup of broth until completely absorbed.  Add more in cup increments until rice is al dente (30-40 minutes).  Add the p...

This pizza is the perfect combination of salty and sweet, a thin layer of fig jam topped with goat cheese and some thinly sliced prosciutto. It gets baked  until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is slightly crispy...are you still with me ?  It's incredibly simple, quick and delicious, what more could you ask for?  pizza dough, store bought or homemade 1 package of  Prosciutto 1 jar fig jam ( you won't use all of it) 1 package goat cheese, sliced Heat your oven up, really hot, as high as it will go, trust me, good pizza needs good heat. Flatten out your pizza dough, on a floured pizza pan or cookie sheet. ( I like to use cornmeal) Spread a nice layer of fig jam on top. Next, add strips/pieces of the prosciutto , and slices of the goat cheese. Next, bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or till cheese is melted notes: When done, slice, and drizzle with some balsamic glaze.

 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 ...

This salad is easy to make and has a wonderful fresh flavor. It is a great salad to bring to BBQ's or parties, and great as an quick meal. Serve two or serve twenty, just by adding more or less orzo and veggies. Grill up some chicken  or shrimp and add it to the salad to make it a one dish meal. We are still enjoying summer, so after a day at the beach, this salad hits the spot, quick and delicious ! 2 cups dry orzo, cooked in salted water and drained 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes ½ cup finely diced purple onion 3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill / 1 tsp dry  ½ cup sliced black olives 1 cup crumbled feta Cook pasta according to directions. While pasta is cooking chop vegetables and dill. Toss all ingredients together. Toss with  as much dressing as you like. Dressing: ¼ cup red wine vinegar Juice of one lemon Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste 4 Tbsp of  honey ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil Put all ingredients in a salad dressing bottl...

Polenta is new to me. It just sounded so fancy, so complicated and for some reason it just scared me. But this week, I finally bought some, made it and discovered that’s so …NOT TRUE!  This dish was easy and delicious ! This week I have made it twice already. I am hooked and the whole family loved it.  I will not lie, this creamy cheesy polenta, served with a fried egg on top, was just out of this world! 4 cups water/ chicken broth 1/2 tsp salt (to taste) 1 cup quick cooking polenta/ cornmeal 2 Tbsp butter 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, for serving To make the polenta, bring the water and salt to a boil in a large, deep pot. (Polenta  will bubble and splatter.) Reduce the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the cornmeal to avoid lumps. Whisk until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and cheese and serve.  Don't be afraid to add a little more hot water/broth if it gets too thi...

This is the first meal I made when Mr.G and I returned from our mini vacation. Now, even though eating out everyday with hubby was fantastic, I truly did miss my kitchen and cooking for my family. With that said, the cleaning up, that, I didn't miss so much ! I used my regular meatloaf recipe, flattened it out, layered some cheese and ham on it, rolled it up jelly roll style, and baked it. Very simple, but really good , the kid's loved it ! Ingredients 1 kilo/2 lb. lean ground beef/pork 1 pkg. (6 oz.) Stuffing Mix for Chicken ( I use 2 bags of croutons, because we don't have this here) 1 cup water 2 eggs beaten salt and pepper to taste equal parts brown sugar and ketchup slices of ham and mozzarela cheese ( use any kind you like) Heat oven to  190º/375* Place meat, stuffing mix (or croutons), water,  and eggs  in bowl. Mix with fingers just until blended thoroughly, add salt and pepper if needed . Pat the meat mixture out onto a piece of waxed pa...

For those of you who share my love for all things cheese, here is a recipe for baked Camembert. Super easy to make, and so delicious. The Camembert  melts into a hot, cheesy dip. Pure heaven. Scoop it up with some crusty bread, or crackers. A great Saturday night snack for two, or if your not in the mood for sharing, just for one.  a box of Camembert Cheese (250g)  2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely minced  1 sprig of fresh rosemary, pick the leaves off the woody stalk sea salt and freshly ground black pepper  extra virgin olive oil red peppercorns optional  Open the box of cheese and unwrap it. Place it back into the wooden container ( mine did not come in a wooden container so I placed it in a oven safe dish).  Score a circle into the top of the skin, then lift it off and discard.  Lay the garlic on top of the cheese, sprinkle some pepper and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil.  Scatter the...

A little bowl of heaven this is, served piping hot, topped with  toasty bread and cheese  that is melted and bubbly.  This soup is perfect for when it's cold outside, and  you  just want to sit back and enjoy something warm and satisfying. It's a great comfort food. French onion soup is actually a very simple soup to make, it is a gourmet dish that anyone can prepare. Simple and frugal ingredients add up to one amazing dish! There are a billlion and one recipes for onion soup, some that cook all day....which I find daunting. I happened to like this one alot. The most important step, is caramelizing the onions, a nice low flame and some patience will do the trick. I hope you give it a try. ¼ cup unsalted butter 3 large onions, thinly sliced 2 dried bay leaves ½ tsp fresh thyme, chopped ( I used dry) 2 tbsp all purpose flour ½ cup red wine 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 4 cups Beef Broth ½ tsp black pepper 1 baguette, 1/2...

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me a couple of weeks ago, and I can't thank her enough for it ! It was a big hit with my family, I have made it I think once a week, since she gave me the recipe. So quick to make, and really very pretty too. It is great hot or cold, and so very versatile. I think you could mix and match the fillings to your own likings, and it would still be a winner. The orginal recipe uses crescent rolls ,Pillsbury,  this brand is not found here, but I was quite pleased when I used something similar I found at my grocery store. I think puff pastry would also be smashing used here. I really..really hope you give this a try ! I loved..loved it with this mango chutney !! 2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (usually 2-3 chicken breasts) 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped broccoli (cooked) 2 cups  shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 1/2  cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons dried dill weed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 garlic clo...

A creamy soup made with broccoli, carrots, and plenty of cheese! It is simple and delicious, make it extra special and serve it in a bread bowl. It is one of my favorites to make on a rainy day, to warm up everyone's bellies. 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup flour 1 medium onion, diced small 2 cups matchstick cut carrots 2 heads of broccoli, just the florets cut off (800 g frozen ) 4 cups chicken stock 4 cups milk (skim is what I used) 4 cups  cheddar cheese ( or any cheese you like ) 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg salt and fresh cracked pepper (go a little heavy on the pepper) 1.  Add carrots and broccoli to a saucepan. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are very tender, about 15 – 20 minutes. 2.  In a large soup pot, add butter and onion. Add salt and pepper. Saute over low heat until onions are tender. Add flour and cook for 2 -3 minutes. Add milk and whisk constantly until mixture starts to come to a boil. Then add chicke...

   Butter, garlic, cheese and little bubbles of fresh baked bread...heaven. Who could resist!? Great served along side pasta, or as a snack. Super simple and quick! You don´t have to make your own dough, buy some pizza dough at your bakery, and it comes together even faster ! Add other spices, basil, oregano, or rosemary. The butter and cheese ratio, is something you will play with....after all more cheese is never a bad thing ! 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 1/3 cups warm water 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 tsp. salt 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/4-1/2 cup butter, melted 1 Tbsp.chopped parsley 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1 cup grated cheese (of your choice In a large bowl, stir together the yeast and water. Let sit 5 minutes until yeast is foamy. Mix in the olive oil, salt, and flour. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until dough is elastic, 7-10 minutes. Place dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover wit...

This is one of Mr.G's favorites, especially when I use eggplants from our garden! When I make this for us, I just serve it with a nice salad, it is a great meatless meal. Depending on the size of your serving dish, the     ingredients will decrease or increase. If you only wanted to use some ramekins, use less eggplant, a larger dish for more people, use more eggplants. It is really easy to put together, there are no real rules here. Use a favorite tomato sauce, and feel free to add oregano, black pepper, even some parmesan cheese to the recipe. 2 medium-sized  eggplant, cut into thin slices 1/3 cup  olive oil, + more jar of your favorite tomato sauce ( or more) 2 fresh mozzarella balls, cut into slices ( or more ) 1/2 cup torn fresh basil Preheat the oven to 180 degC.  With a vegetable peeler, make stripes in eggplant then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Sprinkle them with salt. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, and when hot add the eg...

This is such a great sandwich, a favorite at our house. Steak, onions, peppers and cheese a winning combination in my books ! After making this atleast once, you can certainly eyeball everything, and add mushrooms or hot peppers. Wrapping them, and baking them a little bit just takes them over the top ! I really hope you give them a try ! 700 grams boneless steak 3 tablespoons vegetable oil/ or butter or more 1 very large onion, halved and sliced 2 large green bell pepper, cut in strips 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoon Worcestershire  sauce 4 to 6 soft bread rolls 500 grams cheese, grated ( a good melting kind) To make the steak easier to slice, set it in the freezer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Remove the steak from the freezer and cut it into very thin slices, and set it aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and peppers and sauté over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, s...

Cheese, jalapenos and beer in a bread !! What ?? Seriously those ingredients alone had me convinced this would be really good. That and the fact that I still have tons of jalapenos, which Mr. G keeps nagging  reminding me to use up ! So I got to it, and found this recipe on the magical world of Pinterest. You know the place, don´t pretend you don't!  This bread,it's a keeper, its sitting on my kitchen counter right now, just took it out of the oven. It smells wonderful, and tastes ( I know because I ate a big warm slice of it...I had to taste test it for you) even better. It's best to eat it all the day you bake it, that won't be hard , because it's a quick bread, it will not be as lovely the day after. So go on..go try it ! 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/4 cup sugar 2 whole jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed) 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 12/ oz (355ml) bottle/can beer 3 Tbsp melted butter Preheat ove...

Sorry, more zucchini ! On the bright side, it is a lovely recipe. Great for brunch, or dinner or a snack ! The original recipe asks for bisquick, which I cannot find anywhere on the island, so I use this substitute instead. This recipe is easily adaptable, other spices, more cheese, perhaps even some leftover shredded chicken or ham. It is great warm, and cold with a salad on the side, I hope you give it a try. Zucchini Pie 4 eggs, beaten 3 cups shredded zucchini 1 cup Bisquick/ homemade version 1 cup of shredded hard cheese or more 1 small/medium onion, chopped fine  Salt and pepper – a bit of each  1/4 cup butter, melted or oil (if it's still dry, add another 1/4 cup) Put it all in a big bowl and mix until all dry ingredients are wet. Pour into the casserole dish or pie dish and bake for about 45 minutes at 180// 350 degrees.

Nacho Cheese Sauce....seriously your not in the kitchen yet ?? This is so yummy, easy, inexpensive and much healthier than anyhing you buy in a jar. After you make this a couple of times, trust me you will , you can adjust the flavors to your liking, add some cumin, or diced jalapenos etc. Make it as hot or as mild as you like ! 1 cup grated  cheddar cheese ( try and use block cheese, it will melt better) 1 tablespoon corn starch 1 can evaporated milk 2 teaspoons hot sauce ( Franks,tabasco,piripiri) or more.. Toss cheese and cornstarch, in a bowl, mix well. Add to a medium saucepan, with  1 cup evaporated milk and hot sauce. Cook over low heat, stirring with whisk until melted, bubbly, and thickened (about 5 minutes). Mixture will look thin and grainy at first, but keep stirring , it will thicken and come together after heating. Thin to desired consistency by adding more evaporated milk. Serve with tortilla chips. *** you can mess around with t...