Off Again

Barely settled in Maine, my bags are packed and I’m off again. This time to Spain with a daughter and her girls to celebrate the first grandchild’s graduation from high school. It was her choice to come here, so her wish list dictates the activity.

First stop Barcelona where there is so much to see and do. We’ve spent a little time doing some of the must see things, but the highlights have been shopping and eating. The food is amazing, and so far black rice paella and a variety of tapas have scored big.

On the wish list was a cooking class, and what fun we had. We started at a huge market with Rosa who listened to our likes and dislikes and chose ingredients accordingly.

She was very picky about what she bought and from whom.

Returning to the kitchen, we all got involved in the preparation sipping wine and snacking on manchego, tomato bread, ham, olives and anchovies as we worked.

With Rosa’s guidance, we chopped, sliced and stirred working our own special magic in the kitchen. It’s hard to say what was our favorite. We liked the tortilla de patatas eaten with pan con tomate. FYI, the tomato bread is a snap to make. Peel a clove of garlic and cut it in half. Cut the tomatoes (I suggest compari so as not to be too juicy) in half. Rub toasted bread first with garlic and then the tomato. Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with olive oil.

The main course was fish poached in stock made minutes before from the head and bones. It was served atop steamed peas mixed with mint and parsley, fresh sautéed artichokes and tomatoes. It was a simple dish with a delightful combination of flavors.

As if our menu couldn’t get any better, we made chocolate souffles for dessert. Rosa added a scoop of softened ice cream and strawberries to the plate for a lovely presentation.

We shopped, cooked and ate for about five hours and when it was over, we were four happy gals who created the first of what I hope are many happy memories.

i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind