Dinner in Spain

We're back! Now that we have recovered from the jet lag, I am finally getting a chance to share some pictures from our trip to Spain. We had an amazing time! Spain is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich and tumultuous history full of art, culture, and food. We ate our way across la madre tierra, visiting Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and Toledo. For me, Spain was an amazing source of culinary inspiration. The early morning's catch of seafood, crisp and colorful vegetables, and, of course, high quality ham abound. More than anything we were absorbed into Spain’s natural tendency for leisure. We spent hours wondering through old city streets searching for a quiet place to enjoy a bottle of wine, some delectable tapas, and pure relaxation. Ahhh the ocio!

Strategically we stayed at an apartment-styled hotel with a small kitchenette which allowed us to take advantage of Spain’s large and well stocked open markets. While we attempted to follow Lonely Planet and my faithful Rick Steves' guide when searching for restaurants, we often ended up getting lost in the maze of Gothic and winding cobblestone streets and dining in unknown, random eateries often hidden from the main thoroughfare. The quality of the ingredients and freshness of each dish continuously impressed us, each one seemingly better than the last. I am so grateful for such a wonderful experience, and I'm looking forward to recreating some of the dishes in my own kitchen.

Below are some pictures from our vacation. Perhaps you will even find some inspiration for your own dinner plans tonight. I suggest evaluating each dish, as I did while I was there, and imagine the ingredients you have in your kitchen that could produce a similar result with your own personal touch. Or you could just check out the pictures and imagine yourself eating it!   

Buen Apetito!  


PAELLA

Typical Paella Valenciana

Rabbit and Seafood Paella

Paella in Squid Ink

 TAPAS

Various Pintxos (Bar snacks)

Assorted Stuffed Olives

Fried Anchovies

Marinaded Olives and Peppers

Grilled Octopus Stuffed Olives with Red Pepper

Salmon and Caviar

MAIN COURSES

Marinaded Steamed Vegetables

Shrimp topped Halibut

Cheesy Puff Pastry with Veal Sausage

Brie Quiche with Kalamata Olive Sauce

HAM

  

 

DESSERTS

Gofres- Spanish Waffles with Chocolate Sauce

Churros

 

Churros dipped in Hot Fudge

Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich- Literally

Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches are better dipped in Hot Chocolate

Easter Torrijas a.k.a. Spanish "French Toast"

Spanish S'mores on Steroids

DRINKS

Cava

Now THAT'S a case of beer!

Agua de Valencia

Hot Chocolate?

Spanish "Swiss Miss"

Dark Chocolate Milkshake

AT THE MARKET

Ed's Verdict: Ed says, "Spain has left a long lasting impression on my taste buds! I miss the ham and the wine dearly. I will forever remember the excitement I felt each time ate."


Which dish was your favorite? Which meals do you think I should recreate? Comments are much appreciated!

JUST FOR FUN