Paella and Tapas

I'm definitely overdue for a food post. Well, this meal isn't very training-friendly. So, it's a good thing that I invited a lot of people over to play mahjong and help me eat the food. This meal was my indulgence after my 8.5 mile long run. My feet and knees are killing me, but my tummy is extremely happy. Plus, I got to play with my brand new paella pan, which feeds 8 people. Anyway, onto the menu: Seafood Paella, Prosciutto-wrapped Stuffed Dates, and Kahlua Flan.

I know the format of the photos aren't the same, but that's because I got lazy and didn't feel like taking pics. So, these are all photos that I've stolen from one of my guests and cropped. Overall, it looked like everyone enjoyed the meal, since I don't have any leftovers (always a good sign). And surprisingly, the meal was painless and easy to cook! But, that's because I've figured out how to utilize my live-in sous chef. Thanks honey!

Here are my modifications:

Seafood Paella

-swap chorizo with portugese sausage (linguica). It's hard to find spanish chorizo here instead of mexican chorizo. And Raquel loves portugese sausage

-I only needed 2 cups of rice to 4 cups of hot water. It was the perfect amount for a 15" paella pan. Also, make 1 cup of that rice, brown rice. You seriously can't tell the difference, and it's healthier.

-bloom the saffron in the water first for a minute. Then, throw all in with the water instead of later on in the recipe. It permeates the paella better.

-I didn't buy the lobster, cause I'm cheap.

-make sure to not add the shrimp too early. It cooks fast, and is easy to overcook. I'd wait till the water has almost completely disappeared.

Prosciutto-wrapped Stuffed Dates

-cook the finished product in the oven at 400 degrees for 8-9 minutes. It crisps the prosciutto and slightly melts and warms the cheese.

Give it a shot, it's easier than it looks. And your guests will be happy!