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...

This is for me, one of my favorite Portuguese dishes, hands down, total comfort food ! It is the perfect combination of sweet peas, savory sausage, and poached eggs. Not convinced yet....there is also an amazing  sauce, perfect for soaking up with some bread. This is one of those portuguese dishes, where  mom´s or  grandmother´s "eye-balled"( or like I say used the force ) all the ingredients to produce a wonderful meal. I believe everyone who is Portuguese has "the " recipe for these, adding their own spin to it. This is the way I make it for my family, and yes I do " use the force ", but this time I actually measured out everything ! This is not complicated food, it is simple food, and simple is a beautiful thing! ¼ cup olive oil 1 linguiça or chouriço sausage ( portuguese), sliced 2 small onions, finely chopped 1 to 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3-4 bay leaves 7-9 whole allspice corns 1 cup plain tomato sauce 1 cup white wine 2 cups...

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...