Azoresgal~Life on an Island

This macaroni salad has graced many of our BBQ's this summer. It is tangy with hint of sweetness, super easy to make, and it is sure to be a hit with your family! 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni ( I use 500 gram bag) 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup  white vinegar 2/3 cup white sugar ( or adjust to your liking) 2 1/2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Add in options:  sliced olives chopped hard boiled eggs diced onions chopped red or green peppers shredded carrots sliced celery chopped pickles diced deli meats diced cheese slices green onions Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain. Make sure its nice and cool before adding the dressing! In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the  cold macaroni. Next add in what ever extras you like!...

Although I no longer live in Canada, I still love to celebrate Canadian thanksgiving with my family. The 20 years I have lived on the island, I don´t think we have never not celebrated it. It is certainly now a part of our traditions and our children's memories. I think even if I tried not to, our kids would not let it slide.There are dishes I have to make for them, mac&cheese, pumpkin pie and glazed carrots are a must. Yesterday for our tiny thanksgiving lunch I added this side dish, and it was a hit! It's a  sweet potato casserole seasoned with a little cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with marshmallows. Let's be real here, this could almost pass for dessert...think- pie without a crust , but it’s a veggie dish. It's simple to make, it's delicious and I promise you will love it! 2½ pounds sweet potatoes (4 medium), peeled and cubed 4 tablespoons margarine 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon pinch of nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon kos...

  Focaccia is a flat Italian bread, traditionally flavored with olive oil, salt and topped with herbs. It is the perfect mix of a crisp crust, a salty top and  chewy interior. Did I mention the adorable dimples? Yes the dimples, in the dough, the perfect little pockets for the herbs.  Focaccia, all on its own is perfect for  dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It is also great served with cheese, olives and prosciutto. If that weren't enough, it also makes great sandwiches and panini.   If you don't mind a little waiting time, it is actually quick  and easy to make. I must warn you though, once it comes out of the oven, it will be hard to resist not eating the whole thing, while it is warm! Ingredients 1 3/4 cups warm water 1 package active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading 1 tablespoon salt, plus coarse sea salt, for sprinkling 1/2 cup  olive oil, + 1/4 cup (...

It’s SO simple to make homemade cranberry sauce, and it makes such a beautiful, festive addition to any holiday dinner table.  Fresh cranberry sauce is delicious, AND it can be made it in advance! Fresh orange juice and zest  compliment the cranberries really well. Trust me skip the can stuff this year and make fresh cranberry orange sauce instead. 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 cup orange juice 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries zest of 1 orange directions: 1. Rinse cranberries with cold water. In a medium saucepan, add sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and add cranberries and orange zest. Return to a boil and then reduce heat to medium low. Cranberries will start to burst, cook about ten 15 minutes, to thicken. 2. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Pour sauce into a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator. Serve chilled.