Azoresgal~Life on an Island

I returned from Lisbon, with a suitcase full of wonderful ingredients that I bought at an Asian Market. I started thinking of ways to use some of them. Lettuce wraps were one of the first things that came to mind. I am so happy I made these. They were loaded with flavor and are the perfect combination of savory, spicy and crunchy that I just love. Plus they’re easy, made in one pan and  require very little cleanup. Little clean up is always a great thing in my books ! The sauce I added from another recipe, it just gave it a little kick. Mr.G and I had these for lunch and the kids had them for dinner. I actually added rice noodles to the leftover pork mixture, the kids loved it, and requested I make them again, real soon !







2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef ( I used pork)
2 tsps ginger finely grated
2 scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup chopped peanuts ( I used cashews)
Salt and freshly…

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 low setting until smooth.  If you want it smoother…

This is the first meal I made when Mr.G and I returned from our mini vacation. Now, even though eating out everyday with hubby was fantastic, I truly did miss my kitchen and cooking for my family. With that said, the cleaning up, that, I didn't miss so much ! I used my regular meatloaf recipe, flattened it out, layered some cheese and ham on it, rolled it up jelly roll style, and baked it. Very simple, but really good , the kid's loved it !





Ingredients
1 kilo/2 lb. lean ground beef/pork
1 pkg. (6 oz.) Stuffing Mix for Chicken ( I use 2 bags of croutons, because we don't have this here)
1 cup water
2 eggs beaten
salt and pepper to taste
equal parts brown sugar and ketchup

slices of ham and mozzarela cheese ( use any kind you like)


Heat oven to  190º/375*

Place meat, stuffing mix (or croutons), water,  and eggs  in bowl.

Mix with fingers just until blended thoroughly, add salt and pepper if needed .


Pat the meat mixture out onto a piece of waxed paper***, and flatten to 1/2 …

Last week, the fantastic Mr.G and I went on a mini vacation! Well truth be told, hubby went for work purposes and I got to tag along. Every so often he goes to Lisbon for his company, and I never had the chance to go, because the "littles" were small, or in school, or in diapers and let´s face it, getting someone to watch your three children, while you go galavanting is not easy. It is somewhat similar to dropping off a basket of kitten´s at their doorstep, and running away. Kitten's are cute, but alot of work. So many times, I stayed behind, while Mr. G got to fly away for a couple of days. It always left me sad and a little bit jealous of him, his job sent him places, my "job" never sent me anywhere! I have always heard it said that  good things come to those who wait, well I believe it, I am living it now. The "littles" are not so little anymore, they have grown so much. They are my biggest supporters, when these trips arise, "mommy you have t…

Today is Cinco de Mayo, go ahead and  make yourself somefrozen margarita'sand fix up some fish tacos ! These are light and fresh and taste like summer. What isn't there to love about fish tacos? The combination of popping flavours, a crunchy salad, and  creamy dollops of white sauce...all wrapped up in asoft tortilla. Now don't be scared of the long list of steps after the photo, I promise these are quick, easy and sure to become a favorite.





For the Beer Batter:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup beer
1 egg

For the Fish:
1 kilo/2 pounds fresh or frozen firm flesh white fish fillets, such as cod, cut into bite size strips
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
 chilli powder
optional: salt and pepper
lime wedges
corn tortillas/ or flour

For the Coleslaw Salad Topping:
4 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon …

One of my favorite drinks. I warn you these...are sneaky ! They go down real easy, but boy do they ever pack a punch !! Rum or Vodka maybe used instead of the cachaca, but if you can get your hands on the real thing...I suggest you do . Enjoy!





Ingredients:1 lime, sliced in 8 wedges2 tablespoons fine sugar (I prefer brown sugar ) - adjust sugar to your taste2 oz cachaca ( I like 51, Gold) Preparation:Place the lime wedges  and sugar into a glass.Muddle well to create a paste.Fill the glass with ice cubes.Pour in the cachaca.Stir well. Note: Keep the sugar mixed in the drink by stirring often.


xo, Diana

I know that deviled eggs are a pretty easy thing to make, and that there are a gazillion recipes for them. One more recipe could not possibly hurt...right ? It is a pretty simple straight forward recipe, but it is yummy. I never seem to have any left over when I make them ! So whats so different about these ? I don't use mayonaise to make them, but instead Thousand Island salad dressing. They are great for parties, picnics and even afterschool snack ! Hope you give them a try !






12  hard cooked eggs + 2 extra, just the boiled yolks
2/3 cup thousand island dressing (more or less)
salt and pepper to taste
 Paprika, for garnish (optional)


Cut eggs in half lengthwise, and remove the yolks.  Mash yolks with a fork and add salad dressing, salt, and pepper.

Put the yolk mixture into a plastic zip-top bag and snip the end off one corner.

Pipe the mixture into the whites.

Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.

Cover and chill for at least one hour.

*** I like to use a piping bag with a large ti…