Azoresgal~Life on an Island

The kids started their Easter break today, it's hard to believe that two semesters of school are already finished. Now I don´t know if this first day went exactly as they had hoped, but it had to be done, I made them clean their rooms! You know, a real spring clean, the kind where you purge out a couple of garbage bags worth of stuff. It actually went really well, everyone was on the same page, so the team work really paid off. I am really proud of them, they all did a great job, so to thank them, we baked cookies this afternoon. These peanut butter oatmeal cookies are super delicious. They are soft, chewy and perfect! I added in some M&M's only because I had them, chocolate chips would be great, some nuts and perhaps some cranberries too. The kids had a fun time making them, they have had an even better time eating them...I kid you not, the cookie jar is almost empty! ½ cup softened butter 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla ex...

"When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It might be the only thing they have to give, and they have chosen to give it to you."  -- Dean Jackson

  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...

Ohhhhhhhhh... it  has been so hot and muggy on our little island ! We have been keeping cool, the best ways we know, staying in the pool and sipping on these slushies ! 1 cup water ( or 7up or sprite ) 1/3 to 1/2 cup sweetened "powder" drink mix ( tang, kool-aid..etc ) 4 cups ice Place 1 cup water, 1/2cup  ( more or less)  of your favorite flavored  powder drink mix, and 1 cup ice cubes in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Add additional 3 cups ice cubes; cover. Blend using pulsing action, until smooth. Serve immediately. Store leftover slush in the freezer.