Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A Visit To Spain...at least in the Kitchen

Two weekend's ago my table visited New Orleans. This week, we're going to Spain...at least in spirit. It's been a very long time since I actually spent time travelling through the country, but paella, sangria, tapas...all still take me back there.

Lucky me, I was given the book Spain and the World Table that the people at The Culinary Institute of America put together, with text by Martha Rose Shulman and published by DK Publishing, who have some great titles. I knew I'd love it before I even cracked the cover. Just look at those beautiful shrimp. I couldn't wait to find the recipe page.


Shrimp in Garlic

True, my photos aren't quite as spectacular as those in the book, but the dish was awesome never the less. They're in the tapas section of the book, but I served them over rice as a main course. Sorry, no leftovers!

And what's up next from this stunning tour around Spain's kitchens...two Sangria versions, tons of tapas like manchego cheese (my favorite) and potato croquettes, fish & shellfish ceviche, piquillo peppers stuffed with crab, minted lamb meatballs with almond sherry sauce...hard to choose which will be second, but I do know what will be served first....my most favorite Spanish dish of all time...Paella and we have two choices!

The recipes all have fantastic photos and easy to follow directions. Romesco sauce, saffron tomato allioli, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sauces. As for desserts...crema catalana will definitely be worth the extra pounds!

Decisions, decisions, decisions. All in all, a glorious addition to the cookbook shelf.

And seriously, don't you think these garlicky shrimp would be awesome over pasta?

Don't forget that this week's Presto Pasta Night - #69 is being hosted by Hillary of Chew on That. We're both really excited to see what will show up at the table. Please email your entries to her directly at chewonthatblog AT gmail DOT com

Plus...Don't forget to check all the Presto Pasta Night Roundups dating back to March, 2007, see who's hosting for the next four weeks and check out guidelines and tips for entering and hosting.

5 comments:

NĂºria said...

What a coincidence Ruth!!! I haven't visited you for some time now... and the day I come... here you are talking about Spain and our dishes!!!! :D
I hope you enjoy our food... I'm sure you will ;-)
I'm sending a Noodles duck paella to your Presto Pasta Nights.

Gambas al ajillo (Shrimp in garlic) are one of my favourites tapas! Hey Ruth, if you ever come to Spain I would love to show you around :D

Ruth Daniels said...

Nuria, I'd love to meet up with you. Hopefully sooner than later.

Can't wait to see your paella dish. Don't forget this week's host is Hillary - Chewonthatblog AT gmail Dot com Please send her your entry directly

Andrea Meyers said...

Isn't that a great cookbook? We've really enjoyed all the dishes we've made from it. And that shrimp was delicious!

Barbara said...

I love this book too.

Chibog in Chief said...

there is no other way better to cook shrimp but with garlic!! :-) this dish is delicious! readign your post reminded me well of my last trip to spain. I love all their scenic spots and specially their cuisine :-)