I was first introduced to the concept of the “Escovitch” style of preparation by my friend and former colleague, Chef Mario Martinez. Mario was originally born in Spain and spent many years working aboard cruise ships in the Caribbean where he encountered this method of preparation. Chef Mario’s recipe below is for Red Snapper which is delicious but other thin … Read More
Chicken with Lemon & Garlic
This is a recipe I showcased this past weekend while doing a cooking presentation for Castey Cookware at the Americasmart wholesale market in Atlanta. This simple preparation is a traditional style of Spanish Tapa often served throughout Spain and shows how easily a few ingredients can produce a delicious dish. When I prepared this at the show I embellished it … Read More
Sauteed Calamari with Vinaigrette and Catalan Spinach
[print_this] Sauteed Calamari in Vinaigrette with Catalan Spinach The Spanish word for spinach, “Espinaca”, is one of the many Moorish influences that have left an imprint on the Spanish language and food ways. Spinach has been consumed in Spain since the Moorish occupation. It’s most likely the Moors or Spanish Jews that incorporated the use of sweet dried fruits … Read More
Cocido–Spanish Comfort Food
If you had your choice between cooking with anything you wanted or being presented a limited pantry, which would you choose? Which do you think would make you more creative? Just last week I was talking to someone about this very topic. We both agreed that cooking straight from the pantry without making a trip to the store usually resulted … Read More
Spanish Paella
While I don’t particularly care for the extreme heat this time of year, one thing I do love are the endless opportunities for creativity provided by the variety of seasonal ingredients. Appetite wise, I also find that this time of year my tastebuds tend to favor a more Mediterranean flavor. Perhaps it’s the fact that so many wonderful ingredients typical … Read More