Sunday, February 7, 2010

Bodega In The Kitchen: Tortilla Española

So, I´m trying out a new idea - Bodega in the Kitchen - where I video how to prepare Spanish foods. I'm pretty happy with the way this turned out. I would love to get your feedback! The recipe follows the video.
Tortilla Española
(To make a 4 person tortilla, you will need two frying pans, one 12" diameter which is used to fry the ingredients, and the other an 8" diameter to make the actual tortilla. It is highly recommended that you use a non-stick pan, so as not to burn the tortilla.)
Ingredients (4 generous servings):
  • 4 medium potatoes (preferably red) cut into into irregular pieces approximately 3/4" in size
  • 1 medium onion (white) cut like the potatoes
  • 3 large eggs
  • Salt
  • Olive oil (extra virgin, of course)
Preparation:
1. Place the larger frying with some olive oil on medium heat, and when it is hot, add the potatoes and the onions. Fry until they are golden in color. Place them in a colander to drain the oil.
2. Beat the eggs in a bowl and add salt to taste.
3. Put the potatoes and onion into the egg and add more salt, if necessary.
4. Place the smaller frying pan on high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. When it is hot, pour the egg, potato, and onion mixture into the pan a spread evenly using a wooden spoon. Cook on medium heat for a few minutes making sure to separate the mixture from the side of the pan.
5. Lower the heat (medium-low), place a plate the side of the pan upside down over the pan, and with both hands, flip the whole thing over so that the plate is now underneath the pan.
6. Place the empty pan back on the flame and slide the tortilla into the pan.
7. Allow to cook a little while, then repeat the flipping process. Keep flipping the tortilla until it takes on a golden color, and is firm when pushed with the spoon (or finger).
Note: The tortilla may be eaten immediately, however it is much better if allowed to cool down for at least an hour. It is even better the next day (I can attest to this)!
Good luck and do not hesitate to give me your feedback.
¡Buen Provecho!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wine of the Week: 2001 Montsalvat (Priorat)

The new wine of the week has to be one of my favorite "splurge" wines. The 2001 Francesc Sanchez Bas "Montsalvat" hails from the Priorat region of Cataluña.It is comprised of a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena from 70-80 year old vines. Francesc Sanchez Bas is an agricultural engineer who certifies organic viticultural practices for the Spanish government and teaches at the University of Tarragona. In 1996, he built a small winery in the cellar of his home and began producing his own wine. He has certainly hit a home run with this wine. 

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this wine 95 points with the following notes: "The 2001 Montsalvat is a gargantuan effort composed of 70% Carinena from 70- to 80-year-old vines and 30% Garnacha of the same age with yields of less than a ton per acre. The wine was aged 16 months in new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The color is a nearly black/purple with a huge nose of marzipan, mineral, vanilla, and wild blue and blackberries. Full-bodied, the wine has an untamed, rustic feel on the palate with layered, opulent blue and black fruits as well as a balsamic note, and a splendid integration of oak, acid, and tannins. Give this wine a few years in bottle for further evolution and then drink it over the next 10-15 years."

If you are looking for a wine for a special occasion then I would definitely recommend this one. I had some friends over and we drank this with a hearty Catalan dish - Fricandó (Veal and Mushrooms). It paired incredibly well as the richness of the meat dish complemented the deep and rich flavors of the Montsalvat. This wine will run you about $60 a bottle but is worth the price for the right meal and/or occasion. If I have said it once, I'll say it again...

Life is short. Drink great wine!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Choosing the Culinary Vacation That's Right For You

It seems the holidays are all but a distant memory now. For those of us who spend our 40+ hours a week in a mundane, unfulfilling job the only glimmer of hope is the occasional day off due to a random holiday popping up on the calendar and, of course, vacation! This is where our story begins…