Azoresgal~Life on an Island

Affogato in Italian means “drowned”, and in this case it’s cold vanilla ice cream being drowned by pouring freshly brewed espresso all over it. Seriously, an adult version of a float. It's hot and cold, bitter and sweet ! Want to make it even more adult... add a splash of Amaretto or Frangelico. ! So good ! It’s like having your coffee and dessert all at the same time! I do warn you, after, you have one, you will want more, truly addictive.






Affogato

Ingredients
1 shot of strong espresso (50ml)
1 scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream
 ***splash of amaretto or  frangelico (optional)

Directions
Make a shot of espresso.
Put a scoop of ice cream in a cup or small bowl
Pour the coffee over the ice cream.
Enjoy immediately!

*** using my Nespresso machine, I just scoop ice cream into a large espresso cup, and then make the coffee

xo,Diana

When ever, my girlfriends and I get together, to chit-chat, there is always wine food. Whether its for lunch or dinner, there is always appetizers. One of our favorites hands down is this one, always made by my dearIlidia. It is very addictive, and very easy to put together. I love the fresh flavor, and that it is light. Ilidia's version, is rolled into logs, and almond crusted, oh so very good ! I made mine, as a creamy spread, and left out the almonds. I also kinda, sorta, eye balled everything...which makes sense, since everyone will prefer different amounts of spring onion, and salt and pepper. Instead of spring onions, you might use basil, or mint, or chives, the mild flavor of the ricotta, will combine well, with any given combination. I happened to use an american ricotta, but on the island we can easily find, italian ricotta, and of course portuguese requeijão. Serve with crackers, or bread, I think it would even be great in a sandwich, or a top a burger. Seriously it deli…

Oh no, I see A spider web is tangled up with me And I lost my head The thought of all the stupid things I've said Oh no what's this? A spider web, and I'm caught in the middle So I turn to run The thought of all the stupid things I've done
And I never meant to cause you trouble And I never meant to do you wrong And I, well if I ever caused you trouble Oh no, I never meant to do you harm
Oh no I see A spider web and it's me in the middle So I twist and turn Here am I in my little bubble
Singing, I never meant to cause you trouble And I never meant to do you wrong And I, well if I ever caused you trouble Although I never meant to do you harm
They spun a web for me 

Simple, quick, and delicious. Great as an appetizer, or cook up some pasta of your choice, and serve as dinner or lunch. Either way, this is a keeper, hope you try it !








Ingredients:

1 kilo New Zealand half shell mussels
5 cloves of garlic, minced
4 bay leaves,
4-5 green onions, chopped, the whole thing
1/4 cup olive oil
2  chili peppers, thinly sliced (remove the seeds if you do not want the heat)
2 cups of white wine,
200 ml cream, or creme fraiche
Fresh parsley, a handful, chopped



Heat a large pan,  on medium heat. Once heated, toss in the garlic and onions and bay leaves cook for a few minutes, or until the onions soften. Toss in the chili peppers, and heat for another minute. Add in your wine and cook for about 4-6 minutes.

Next, toss in your mussels, and cover, cooking for another 5-7 minutes. Remove the cover,lower the heat, add in the cream stir well, shaking the pan and cook for another 5 minutes (but without boiling the cream). Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Plate in lar…

This is a simple little cake. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon, with some tea, or coffee, or a lovely tall glass of milk. You can add just adusting of powdered sugar, a plate and a fork… and you are ready to enjoy. I baked mine in a loaf pan..this meant baking it a little bit longer in the oven. A tube pan works just fine !








Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole, 2% or 1%)
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups  All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons Cocoa


1. Preheat oven to180/ 350°F. Cover pan with bake spray and dust with flour.

2. In a bowl blend the sugar and eggs for about 2 minutes.
On low speed add the oil, milk and vanilla until well combined and smooth.

3. In a second bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix for about another 2 minutes or until the batter is smooth and lump free.
4. Remove 2 cups of the vanilla batter and place it  in the bowl you use…

Hang on, just hang on for a minute. I've got something to say. I'm not asking you to move on or forget it, But these are better days. To be wrong all along and admit is not amazing grace. But to be loved like a song you remember Even when you've changed.
Tell me... Did I go on a tangent? Did I lie through my teeth? Did I cause you to stumble on your feet? Did I bring shame on my family? Did it show when I was weak? Whatever you see, that wasn't me. That wasn't me, that wasn't me.
When you're lost you will toss every lucky coin you'll ever trust, And you will hide from your god like he ever turns his back on us. Then you'll fall all the way to the bottom and fall on your own knife, And you'll learn who you are even if it doesn't take your life.
Tell me did I go on a tangent? Did I lie through my teeth? Did I cause you to stumble on your feet? Did I bring shame on my family? Did it show when I was weak? Whatever you see, that wasn't me Th…

This creamy dessert is real comfort food. Sweet and custard-like, and easy peasy. This is perfect for one of those days, when you just need something to hit the spot. It's not fancy shmancy and isn't gourmet, it´s old fashioned really, something our grandmother's would make. That's what comforting about them, simple food , made with love !  I hope you give them a try.







Rice Pudding


2 cups water
1/2 cup uncooked short grain rice
peel of 1 lemon
generous pinch of salt
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
cinnamon



In a small saucepan, combine the water, rice and salt and lemon peel. Bring to a
boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until
water is absorbed.
Add in condensed milk. Stir till it comes to a boil.
 Reduce heat; simmer,uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until thick and creamy, stirring
frequently. Remove from pan, pour into serving dishes ( about 4), sprinkle with cinnamon.

**** you may add in a tablespoon of butter right at the very end, when they a…