OY! Muy delicioso!

I don't know about you, but my response to stress is enjoying some tasty morsels. I've had many, many morsels lately... (which could be why Matthew 26:41 keeps popping into my view and thoughts...) and I thought I'd share with you some of the fare I've enjoyed.

In Huelva (well-vah) they grow some tasty, juicy, sweet strawberries, which remind my of my sweet grandparents, who I've been missing terribly. Finding myself at the fruit markets at any given chance, I've bought 2 kilos each time, and the locals look at me like I'm a crazy woman. Seriously: who buys 4.4lbs of strawberries at a time?!? It works out to about $1.13/lb if my math is correct, though it's never been my strong point so I could be waaay off... We've also enjoyed fresh mandarin oranges from markets in Cadiz (CAH-dith) and Jerez (hair-ETH), and bananas from Jerez as well.

In Puerto (pwer-toe) Sherry, we had a farewell dinner at an Italian restaurant for the previous director where my Sohlmate's taking over. He and I shared an amazing salad with pesto, field greens, black olives, provolone, sun dried and fresh cherry tomatoes. Fantasmo! We've started eating our salads with only EVOO (as Rachel Ray calls extra virgin olive oil), vinegar, salt and pepper. MMMM! There are a few more options here when it comes to olive oil. Intenso is a stronger flavored oil, used for dipping or breads. When cooking or frying, suave is the oil of choice. Either way, I'm in!

The drive from Rota to Jerez is gorgeous, passing fields of girasoles (hir-a-SOL; sunflowers) and vineyards filled with the grapes to produce sherry wine. I'm anxiously awaiting my 1st bodega (bo-deh-gah) tour, where we'll sample the local sherries... obviously a feat for after the arrival of my Young Sohl (thanks C-Tooley!).

In SanLucar (sahn loo-car), we visited el centro comercial, Las Dunas. This is essentially a mall, though it includes the equivalent of a Super Walmart. One interesting thing is that before entering Alcampo (the WalMart-esque store [or actually any large shopping center]) you use a fuser to seal your other shopping bags closed. Then you use a 50 cent or 1 euro coin as a deposit to borrow a shopping cart. Another unique trait is you can buy anything from a 220 fridge to still squirming fish, scales, head and all. Mmmm! Nothing like the smell of old seafood to encourage you to shop! LOL!

Anyway, at Las Dunas we stopped at a small cafe, where my friend Mari and I ordered the same thing - a chicken, cream cheese, and pineapple croissant and a tall limon ice cream/slushy drink/treat thing. If you've ever had a lemon flavored italian ice, the taste is very similar, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am in heaven here, as I LOOOOVE tartly-flavored lemon treats. Lemon cookies, lemon drinks, lemon desserts, lemon breakfast items... ahh!

This is dragging on, but there's so much more to share: fresh bread, pastries, cookies, fruits, and cheeses. Jamon serrano, a unique taste all its own, is best with queso iberico IMHO, though I look forward to sampling other flavors as well.

All that to say, I have a few cautionary hints. I discourage all jamon/meat-flavored chips, smoked salmon anything (just too fishy for me), and overheating olive oil. It's also helpful to know that most eggs are not refrigerated, most stores do not sell canned fruits or veggies, and that milk is often sold in unrefrigerated boxes. As I mentioned before, fish is sold as is, often with all its glory, and in smaller markets you can request to have it "cleaned," though it can cost more to have the guts and head removed (but, if you're like me, it's most always worth it... GROSS!).

All in all, we've enjoyed what Spanish fare we've had. Even our McD's experiences have been unique. But that's another blog.

Love you all!