Tia Maria's Blog Blog

HAWAIIAN PINEAPPLE CAKE

This summer dessert tastes like you’re on a tropical island. It’s so easy and perfect for your next party! Jo

I package yellow cake mix

1 large can crushed Pineapple (drained but save the liquid)

1 container of Cool whip

1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix

1 and 1/2 cups of milk

2 cups of flaked coconut

1 cup chopped walnuts

*Cherries for garnish if desired

Instructions:

Prepare cake according to package directions but add 1/2 of the crushed pineapple to the batter. Bake in a rectangle deep dish pan and let it cool completely until you’re ready to add the toppings.

Make the pudding by combing the mix with the milk. Mix well and let cool in the refrigerator until the cake has cooled.

When cake is ready, poke a few holes in it with a fork and add the leftover pineapple juice into each hole.

Mix the pudding with the cool whip and layer it evenly over the cake.

Top the cake with the coconut and pineapple. Add cherries if desired.

Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to cool before serving. Store leftover cake in refrigerator. Enjoy!

HOME MADE CROUTONS & PANZANELA SALAD

HOME MADE SAVORY CROUTONS. YES, PLEASE!
I use day old PORTUGUESE bread, but you can use any crusty bread. Never throw away your bread. 😋
2 cups cubed crusty bread
1 tsp TASTE PORTUGAL SEASONING
2 tsp olive oil
Mix well. Air fry at 400 f. 5 min.
Sharing Portuguese recipe traditions is easy with Tia Maria’s Blog. Find my recipes in my 2 cookbooks, Facebook, Instagram, and YT channel.

ROJOES A MARIA

These little pork bites are garlicky and deliciously savory! So easy to make.

1 lb pork but cut into 1/2 inch pieces.

(No need to trim fat because this ads flavor and it will render down).

1/4 olive oil

1 TSP paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp white wine

Marinate pork in bowl for 1 hour or overnight in refrigerator. Heat oil in heavy skillet and cook pork until crispy and golden brown. Turn over pork as it cooks.

Serve on crusty bread.

TIA MARIA’S BEER CAN CHICKEN

Let’s make BEER CAN CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS:

1 whole chicken

1 can beer (opened)

2 to 3 tbsp TASTE PORTUGAL SEASONING

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp white wine

PREPARATION:

Make a wet rub with seasoning and oil and Marinate over night. Preheat grill to 400 F. Place chicken cavity upright over an open can of beer. Place on a tray and cook at 375 to 400 f. for at least 1.5 hours or cooked until 165. F.
Cook longer to obtain a crispy chicken

TIA MARIA’S AIR FRYER SHRIMP

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp takes only minutes to prepare. It’s savory and garlicky. Serve as an appetizer, over pasta, salad or as a main dish.

Ingredients:

2 lbs medium shrimp (peeled and devained)

1 tbsp TASTE PORTUGAL SEASONING

2 tsp olive oil

2 tbsp melted butter

2 tbsp lemon juice

cooking spray

parsely for garnish

Preparation:

Marinate shrimp in seasonings, lemon juice and olive oil for about 3 minutes. Place evenly in Air Fryer. Spray with a lite coating of cooking spray and toss.

Cook at 400 F. for about 5 to 6 minutes or until pink. Place in a bowl and add the butter and mix well. Serve.

CAMARÃO DO DIABO – DEVIL’S SHRIMP

This Spicy Shrimp will set your mouth on fire but you’ll love it! Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish over fettuccine pasta or any other favorite pasta.

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs medium shelled shrimp

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp white wine

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

PREPARATION:

Marinate shrimp in wine, salt, and pepper flakes for 3 minutes.

Heat oil and butter until hot. Add garlic and cook until translucent. Add shrimp and stir. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked.

SPICY PIRI PIRI CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Let’s make delicious SPICY PIRI PIRI CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

12 to 14 drumsticks
2 tbsp TASTE PORTUGAL SEASONING
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp white wine
Marinate chicken 2 hours or overnight in fridge.
Lay out on a foil lined sheet pan coated with cooking spray. Top with more cooking spray.
Bake at 375 f. Fir about 50 min. until crispy.

Portuguese Chouriço & Presunto Pizza

This is a delicious savory pizza. I use Fig jam as a base. The combination of the sweet jam and salty presunto is mouthwatering.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pizza dough

1/2 cup fig jam

1 cup chopped or sliced chouriço

4 slices presunto

1 cup mozzarella or your favorite cheese

1/4 cup pecorino cheese

PIZZA DOUGH

  • 4 cups flour (more as needed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 package dry yeast (1/4 ounce or 2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups of warm water

CHICKEN WALDORF SALAD

This chicken salad will be your go to for easy lunches all week. I buy the rotiserrie chicken and at croissants at Costco which makes this recipe so incredibly simple. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups chopped cooked chicken

1/2 cup mayonnaise (more if want a creamer salad)

1/2 cup chopped grapes

1/2 chopped apple

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/4 cup minced red onion

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp minced parsely

1 tbsp lemon juice

PREPARATION:

Mix everything in a bowl and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 days.

Grilled Pork Chops with Onions & Peppers

This is your weekend recipe. Light up the grill. These pork chops are moist, savory and delicious.

INGREDIENTS:
6 pork chops
1.5 tbsp Taste Portugal Seasoning
Onions:
1 large sliced onion
1 large roasted red pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp white vinegar
1 bay leaf
Season pork. Grill.
Saute onions, peppers, and bay leaf in oil until tender. Add vinegar and cook a few minutes.