Azoresgal~Life on an Island

These are the easiest biscuits you could ever make. No need  for a rolling pin or biscuit cutter, just some mixing, scooping, baking and you’re done!  Oh and let's not forget how great they taste! Light and fluffy,with a crisp outer crust and soft center. We love these biscuits, they can be added to any meal, I served them last night with Clam Chowder   . I really hope you give them a try! 2-1/2 cups self-rising flour 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup cold milk 8 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ( I use salted) 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese For brushing on top 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp dried parsley/or fresh to taste Heat the oven to 230C degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, garlic powder, salt and cayenne until combined.  Pour the melted butter, and the cold milk...

This was such a big hit at dinner the other night, Mr.G and the kids absolutely loved it! Crispy bites of beef with a delicious, thick, sweet yummy sauce, whats not to love? Sprinkled with some green onions on top and served with some rice or noodles, I promise it will feel like you are at your favorite Chinese resturant. 2 teaspoons vegetable oil or sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup water/ or beef stock 3/4 cup dark brown sugar vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 cup) 500grams//1 lb flank steak 1/2 cup cornstarch 2 large green onions, sliced on the diagonal into one-inch lengths Make the sauce by heating 2 tsp of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over med/low heat. Don’t get the oil too hot. Add ginger and garlic to the pan and quickly add the soy sauce and water before the garlic scorches. Dissolve the brown sugar in the sauce, then raise the heat to about medium and boil the sauce for 2-3 minutes ...

This dish is super easy to make, and so delicious! I think every Portuguese family has their own version of how to prepare this shrimp dish.  At our parties and  family gatherings , shrimp usually makes an appearance towards the end of the meal. Don´t ask me why, I have no idea, but it works, so no need to change it! These are also served as a " petisco " a snack, accompanied by chilled wine or cold beers, can you see why this is a great dish for summer? The ingredients are very few, and I would suggest some good rustic bread for sopping up the sauce. One other thing, we like to use shrimp with the heads and shell on, are you still with me? The heads and shells give extra flavor to the sauce, if you are squeamish, and prefer food with no heads on it, by all means, buy peeled frozen shrimp. This is one of our favorite dishes at our house, and I hope you give it a try! 1 kilo /2 pounds of medium size shrimp (with shells on) 1 small onion, finely minced (optional ) ...

This is a such a quick recipe to make, there’s nothing complicated about it. Just simple ingredients combined, to result in an amazing dish. The shrimp sits in a garlicky, buttery sauce that is perfect for mopping up with bread, or served over pasta instead. It´s a great week night meal, but would also be great as an appetizer at a party. Its easily doubled, and the shrimp size can also vary. If you prefer to leave the shrimp with the shell on,  that's not a problem, what I do suggest, is using fresh parsley and garlic. I hope you give it a try !  500g//1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup white wine 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons  parsley, chopped salt and pepper to taste Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté until light pink, about two minutes. Add the garlic, butter and parsley and cook until fragrant, another minute or two. Stir in the wine, s...

  I love hummus, but I have never made it, because the one ingredient I was always missing was tahini (ground sesame seed paste). Well, I bought  some while I was in Lisbon, and now can make it when ever I want. Hummus is healthy, yummy, and it can be a meal a snack or an appetizer. I could eat it up with a spoon (maybe I do??) , there are so many ways to eat it. It’s fantastic on wraps, sandwiches, salads, or with some fresh veggies.  Hummus requires very few ingredients and takes only minutes to make. This simple hummus recipe is so good, you'll want to eat it every day. 1  large can (15.5 ounces) of chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), drained and reserve the liquid 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbs lemon 2 Tbs tahini salt to taste 2 Tbs olive oil paprika to garnish Drain chickpeas and set aside the liquid from the can. Put chickpeas, about 1/4 cup of the reserved liquid, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and tahini into the blender.  Blend on a lo...

   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...