For New Year's Eve we had a feast of home-cooked Asian dishes with Caroline & T, Caroline's brother Patrick (the one who visited us in Italy), and her good friend Angela who were visiting Austin from Richmond. We made Curry Triangles (using "Beyond" Beef), Pan Fried Vegetable Pot Stickers (from Trader Joe's), Scallion Pancakes, Vegetable Lo Mein, Fried Rice, and the hands-down favorite - Richard's Thai style Massaman Curry.

​It's remarkably easy to make and uses a dutch oven rather than a wok. You can make it well ahead of time - it tastes even better reheated after sitting around in the refrigerator for a few hours.

One of the best experiences of our European adventure was enjoying an authentic Paella cooking class at "Mi Paella en el Huerto" ("My Paella in the Garden"). Our friends Hop, Douglas, and Dan raved about the class and insisted we add it to our plans. Our paella experience began when Maria, our guide / instructor, picked us up in the City Hall Square, and began passionately weaving the story of paella from the viewpoint of a native who lives in the very region of its origin.

We came away from the day with recipes and techniques that we've use frequently since. It's particularly great because everything can be done in one pan!

While we were in Spain one of our favorite Tapas was a steaming, salty plate of "Pimientos de Padrón". We would often stop into green grocers and check to see if they had any in stock and made them for ourselves as a quick and easy snack or tasty appetizer.

Like Shishito Peppers - which are a perfect alternative and easier to find in the USA - every now and then you will get a hot one. The waiter at a sidewalk restaurant in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria joked, "If you get a hot one I have to charge you double!"  

This is a great one for a quick but healthy meal that looks and tastes like you're at a fine restaurant. Also great when cooking for just one or two. 
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