I grew up eating hearty meat stews and oven roasts throughout the cold Massachusetts winters. Fish was more of a summer dish-- freshly grilled and served with vegetables from the garden. It wasn't until I moved to Spain that I fully appreciated the versatility of fish for winter … [Read more...]
Cod and Potato Stew
Salt cod, or bacalao in Spanish is one of the world's most fascinating foods. So interesting, in fact, that Mark Kurlansky wrote a fantastic book about it that won the prestigious James Beard Award. On my food tours people often ask why we still eat salt cod. Wouldn't it be … [Read more...]
Catalan Fish Stew (Suquet de Peix Recipe)
Growing up in Massachusetts meant that fresh fish and seafood was a staple of summer. Creamy clam chowder, fried clam rolls, tiny bay scallops, boiled lobsters, briny oysters-- why did I ever leave?! Luckily, Spain gives New England a run for its money when it comes to all things … [Read more...]
Perfect Boiled Shrimp Recipe (Gambas Cocidas)
Spring is in the air and that means I'm in the mood to cook! The local markets are starting to fill up with new goodies (think strawberries, asparagus, peas and the very first cherries-- my favorite!) and the longer days mean I have more energy to start making dinner at 8pm (such … [Read more...]
Tuna Belly, Blood Orange and Avocado Spanish Salad Recipe
Ventresca de atún (tuna belly) is a gourmet canned product here in Spain that puts your average can of tuna fish to shame. Especially when it's a can of wild Atlantic bluefin tuna (ventresca de atún rojo salvaje), fished by the old Phoenician method called Almadraba. I … [Read more...]
