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FLAVORS OF SPAIN

POLLASTRE CON GAMBAS – SPANISH CHICKEN WITH SHRIMP

SPANISH CHICKEN WITH SHRIMP

This stew is a flavor bomb that defines the quintessential cuisine of northern Spain, Catalonia. The marriage of poultry and seafood often is a paired combination, which is undeniably as heavenly as it is unique, so much so that this will become a dish you will come to crave and prepare often. The picada is what creates the creamy factor in this dish with the bread and almonds.   6 chicken thighs – bone in and skin left on –…

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SPANISH BEEF STEW WITH RIOJA – ESTOFADO DE TERNERA A LA RIOJANA

SPANISH BEEF STEW

This time-honored Spanish stew comes from the Spanish region of Rioja.  As with any stew, you can make modifications and Spanish cured chorizo is a popular addition that can be sautéed after browning the chuck and some mushrooms can be added at the end.  The addition of red Rioja is what makes it traditional, not to mention the smokiness of the Spanish paprika.  A match made in heaven. 1 LB of chuck – fat trimmed and cut into medium sized…

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ARTICHOKES – INTIMIDATING YET SPLENDID

STUFFED OVEN ROASTED ARTICHOKES

“Artichoke: the vegetable of which one has more at the finish than at the start of dinner”. Lord Chesterfield” One of the many reasons why 2018 is commemorative, it celebrates the 70thanniversary of when Marilyn Monroe was crowned Artichoke Queen in Castroville, California in 1948.  Since she was and still is such a sex symbol, one could go as far as saying once you’ve eaten a well-prepared artichoke, you’ll realize that it’s as good or even better than sex.  That…

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MIDWEEK BLUES – SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP

SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP

MIDWEEK BLUES – SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP WITH SUMMER SALAD This is a dish that embodies the glorious flavors of Spanish and a tapa found in every bar.  As a rule, the key is to use fresh shrimp, not frozen to obtain the maximum flavor of the prawns.  A dried chili pepper is added for spice, in Spain they are called Guindilla, but a dried Guajillo or red jalapeño are optimal too.  The shrimp are rendered succulent and tender bathed in…

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SPANISH MEATBALLS IN SAFFRON SAUCE

ALBONDIGAS EN SALSA DE AZAFRÁN Every country boasts of an individualistic rendition for these crowd pleasing round morsels and in Spain meatballs are criminally outstanding, almost falling under a denomination of their own accord.  If you’re a meatball lover and your only experience has only been the Italian type over spaghetti, then you’ve not seen the forest for the trees.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Italian fare.  It’s prodigious with every regional specialty making it unforgettable and their meatballs…

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FLAVORS OF SPAIN

SPANISH MOSQUE

 SPANISH FOOD – A MOORISH LEGACY The dreamy and romantic land of white windmills, flamenco, bull fights and best of all, a celebration for all things food so spectacular mere words don’t do it justice! Spain, a country with an esoteric and tumultuous past, where various cultures have left their imprint and unique legacies.  In Merida, the Phoenicians and the Romans bequeathed open-air amphitheaters, temples and bathhouses.  The southern province of Andalusia is home to some of the grandest Moorish…

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Pantry Rat