Cooking Club VI

We had another successful Cooking Club. Jeff and Jenny were up to host again. They went with a Spanish style theme (NOT Mexican). Brent even [attempted] grew a stash for the occasion.


Cocktail
Sangria Tradicional (Traditional Sangria)


First Course
Berenjenas fritas con miel, menta, semillas de
sesamo (Fried Eggplant with Honey, Mint and Sesame Seeds)

These were delish!! Maybe my favorite part of the night. The honey on top made the flavor.

Main Course
Paella Valenciana (Mixed Valencia Paella)

The Paella was also excellent. Everyone agreed they'd make it again but only for a special occasion since it's so big and laborous. We had a hard time determining when the rice was going to be done and when to add the seafood so the calamari got way overcooked. The shrimp, scallops, and mussels were better. This was my first time trying mussels too! I was proud.

Ensalada con garbanzos, pimientos asados, y
alcaparras (Chickpea, Roasted Pepper and Caper Salad)

This dish was alright. Not a lot of flavor besides the chickpeas. We thought it would make a great hummus if you blended it up.

Dessert
Flan de Almendra Leche y Caramelo (Carmel and Almond Milk Flan)

Flan that everyone including our dairy free friends can eat? Perfect! We didn't realize that flan takes a long time to cool and made it at the end of the night. Even after throwing it outside for awhile, we ending up eating it warm. (Hence the melted carmel all over the plate) I love warm puddings so to me it was still wonderful and had a great almondy flavor. It would probably be even better cold.