Spanish Food

Spending time in another country can be rewarding for so many reasons. Experiencing new or different cultures, viewing art and architecture contrary to your norm, and getting to try new dishes, either bought or made, washed down with local beverages can be some of the best experiences a foreign trip provides. Living in a different country, takes some of these opportunities to a whole new level. Taking a local cooking class if possible is a wonderful idea, for a few reasons: 1) you can learn something new, 2) it's a great way to try something you might not have before and 3) you potentially have the knowledge to recreate said dish again. In a time in the world (such as Covid 19 era), while these types of classes aren't available, it does not mean the opportunities are lost. Talk to neighbors, ask questions, go to the local supermarket and see what the options are.

Having met some amazing locals has really opened my sphere of local Spanish food. Like any other country, each region has it's own specialities, and they are totally worth relishing. For example, in Valencia, it is the birthplace of paella. This is a dish that is rice (Bomba rice is traditional) based, with delectable spices, and has everything from different meats, (ie: chorizo, chicken, rabbit) to seafood (think mussels, clams, prawns) and often some vegetables (generally different beans like green beans, lima beans, etc.). If you have not had an opportunity to try this, it should be on your bucket list for foods, because it is THE BOMB!

For the pork lover, Spain is a jackpot. There are so many different cuts and means of serving this. It is served cured, as cutlets, stewed, fried, on sandwiches, in soups, basically, any way you can imagine it...and it is all good.

Not such a pork person, have no fear, the options are endless. More of seafood lover, you're in luck. Spain has some of the best seafood in the world. It borders two oceans, the Atlantic and the Medi