Hi there reader,
It's hard to believe we've been in Barcelona for a few months now. As the weather cools down back in the U.S., we're still enjoying warm, sunny days, and I'll never get used to the ocean views!
This email is all about what we've been loving (and missing!) as we continue to settle into life in Spain. From exciting new travels and recipes to the little comforts of home we're longing for, here's a peek into our latest adventures.
**I'm also super excited to share the first Spanish recipe I've developed while living here in Barcelona!π**
You can also follow me on Instagram for a more detailed glimpse into our everyday life.
❤️LOVING❤️
Weather: The weather in Barcelona is a dream! Lows around 65 and highs in the 70's. Beautiful, sunny days, with an ocean view on every walk Jeff and I take. π
Travel: We recently took a quick trip to Paris over a long weekend and plan to go to Rome in a few weeks. European travel is so inexpensive and convenient.
 We bought our first whole JamΓ³n Iberico! JamΓ³n Iberico is a luxurious Spanish-cured ham (from Iberian pigs) that sits on your kitchen counter at room temperature. You carve thin slices from it to eat. | |  It will last on the counter for months. Many people think of Paella when they think of Spain, but JamΓ³n is Spain's greatest treasure! |
 Fresh Seafood: With such easy access to high-quality seafood, we are eating it more than ever...and I'm not mad about it. | |  I usually cook it pretty simply (in the oven, seasoned with olive oil and spices). |
| | I've been testing new recipes! - Pesto Spaghetti (pictured above)
- Croissants (I put my skills to the test in a croissant-making class I took in Paris with my daughter)
- Spanish lentils with Chorizo (my first "Spanish" recipe creation since living here)
- Garlic Rolls
- Black Pepper Chicken
|
πMISSINGπ
Fall season vibes: Changing leaves, fall and Halloween decor inside stores, and the general feeling in the air this time of year. We don't feel any of that here. And I'm deeply missing ALL things pumpkin spice. They don't have canned pumpkin or any of that here.
American football and baseball: Jeff is a huge sports fan, and it's difficult to watch any of the games with the time change (most games are on around 1 a.m. or later). π ⚾️
Our favorite Protein Powder: Protein Powder is not super common here, but we did find some. It's not nearly as good or high-quality as my favorite flavors from Clean Simple Eats. (Use code FROMSCRATCH for 10% off).
Chick-fil-A - enough said.π
(Maybe I need to make my copycat chicken sandwich soon!)
Guittard Chocolate Chips, or any good-quality chocolate chips, in general. I've only found one package of "baking" chips here, and they are not good. There are not a lot of baking products in Spain, like in the US.
Early Release Lentejas (Spanish Lentil and Chorizo Stew)!
This is the first Spanish recipe I've developed while living in Barcelona π and although it will not be available on my website for a few weeks, I wanted to share with you all, now! You'll love this unique, boldly flavorful and hearty stew.
Print the Recipe!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Heat a large pot on medium heat. Add the chorizo slices in a single layer and cook for 1 minute, just to lightly render some of that fat. Flip each slice to the other side and cook the same. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan.
- Add onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery and sautΓ© for 5 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, and oregano, and stir. Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add lentils, potatoes, broth, red wine vinegar, bay leaves, and season with black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 - 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Taste and season with sea salt and pepper, as needed.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley when serving.
Notes about Chorizo: It's important to use dry, cured Spanish Chorizo. You can find it on Amazon.
Thanks for following our journey! π₯°
Curious about life in Spain? Reply to this email with your questions, and I'll feature some answers in my next update!
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