A Plethora of Paella

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I know it’s National Gumdrop Day (and may your day by as gummy as any that has come before it) but I am too distracted to think about gumdrops at the moment. At the moment, all I can think about is paella. Why? Because apparently it is what a lot of people online are thinking about, Googling, and searching for.

I’m aware of the exciting nature of paella. I’ve gone on about it at some length myself in my Ode to Paella but seriously? The Fabulous Foodie webstats seem to indicate a paella trend. A lot of people are searching for paella. Specifically, they seem to be searching for Alton Brown paella. I don’t know why. Don’t get me wrong – I’d love to hear what he has to say about it. I just never have. I’ve never come across an Alton Brown recipe for paella. Plenty of his fellow Food Network stars have them.

At some point last year, Tyler Florence went in search of the ultimate paella. I wish someone would pay me to go in search of the ultimate roast chicken. But I digress. We are talking about paella. Anyway – off Tyler went. He encountered Paella Cubana and Paella Valenciana. But in the end, his journey led him to create The Ultimate Paella Recipe. Ultimate, Tyler? Really? But what about your previous Paella with Seafood, Chicken, and Chorizo? Is this better than that?

Ultimate? Sounds unlikely since everyone at Food Network seems to have addressed paella (except for Alton Brown which we have already discussed).

  • Emeril Lagasse (who alone amongst them I would trust to really understand paella and it’s semi-related food of the gods jambalaya) has his paella recipe as well as his grilled paella mixta.
  • Ina Garten has a Hampton’s spin on things with her easy lobster paella

TV is not the only place to find the paella of your dreams. Grab a cup of coffee and peruse a cooking magazine or two. OK, maybe grab a cup of coffee and peruse and cooking magazine website or two. Try One-Hour Shrimp Paella from Bon Appétit or Quick Paella from Gourmet magazine.

You can also check out hundreds – yes, I said hundreds – of paella recipes at recipe round up sites.

So you can see – a plethora of paella awaits you should you venture forth and try this flexible, delicious, highly personal and customizable dish. Just don’t go ask me what Alton Brown thinks because try as I might, I can’t find a place where the two intersect.

Finally Eating Like A Grown-Up

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I think my taste buds are maturing. This seem remarkable in light of the fact that the rest of me doesn’t seem to be doing the same.

Which reminds me – I must tell you about the three rounds of Jacks I played in the lobby of my apartment building last night. It was a spontaneous decision when the gaggle of wee girls already there became embroiled in a debate over the rules.

I stepped in to referee since none of the moms present seem to have the first CLUE how to play. I am now a hero among the small fry and parents alike.

One mom actually asked in wonder, “Where did you learn to play Jacks?” I was stumped since I don’t remember learning. I just remember playing. Since the beginning of time. Through my own camp experience and my time as a camp counselor as well. I excelled at Jacks despite rather short pudgy fingers.

But back to the question of taste buds: Continue reading “Finally Eating Like A Grown-Up” →

Happy Margarita Day

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And you thought it was just Cook a Sweet Potato Day.  As I do not care for sweet potatoes, I neither have them on hand nor intend to cook any. Margaritas, on the other hand, I have the makings for and as soon as I can do so without being accused of morning dispomania, I intend to assemble and celebrate.

We don’t know who created the margarita (or the sweet potato for that matter) but since it was introduced there have been variation upon variation blended, poured, tested, tasted and enjoyed by millions all over the world.  Cheers my friends!