PAELLA

 PAELLA

INGREDIENTS: 2 tbs olive oil, 4 chorizo sausage links, 1 package of boneless chicken thighs, 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves, 1 red pepper, 2 cups rice (whatever type you prefer) 5 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp saffron, 1 cup fresh peas, 1 pound jumbo shrimp, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 tbs black pepper 

Cook the chorizo in the oil, set aside. Fry the onion, garlic and pepper for 5 minutes. (add more oil if it sticks), add the thighs (cut them first into bite sized pieces), add the rice, stir to coat then add the broth, tomatoes and saffron. Cook until the rice is done. Add the peas and the shrimp and simmer until the shrimp is thoroughly cooked. 

You're going to love this dish!!!!

COLORFUL SALAD WITH CORN

 COLORFUL SALAD WITH CORN

INGREDIENTS: The amount of each ingredient depends on how much you make. 

This was a mix of romaine, tomatoes, 1 can of corn, avocado, cucumber, parsley, salt, pepper, light olive oil and red wine vinegar. 

It was colorful and yummy. 

BREAD & TOMATOES

 BREAD & TOMATOES

INGREDIENTS: Loaf of baguette, 1/2 cup olive oil, 6 cloves of garlic, 1/2 tsp salt and 3 tomatoes

I crushed 6 cloves of garlic in a half cup of olive oil. I brushed the oil on the bread. I used a cheese grater to crush the tomatoes. I added the salt to the tomatoes, put on top of the oil and bake for 5 minutes at 350.

Sounds simple but it was great!!!

CILANTRO SAUCE (MOJO VERDE)

 CILANTRO SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

1 bunch of cilantro, 4 cloves of garlic, juice of 2 limes, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 jalapeño, 1 tbs white vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt

Put everything in a food processor and enjoy!!!!

STEAK AU POIVRE

 STEAK AU POIVRE 

INGREDIENTS: 4 strip steaks, salt & pepper, 3 tbs butter, 1/8 cup olive oil, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup brandy, 1 tbs dijon mustard, 6 cloves crushed garlic, 1 tbs agave, 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives.

Put a generous amount of salt and pepper on each side of the steaks and press it into the meat. Sauté the steak on a medium high heat in the oil and butter for 4 minutes each side. Set aside.

Put the rest of the ingredients in the pan and simmer for 15 minutes. Cut the steak, pour the sauce over the meat and enjoy!

GREEN BEANS WITH CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS

 GREEN BEANS WITH CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup oil. 2 tbs butter, 2 large shallots, 6 cloves of garlic, bag of french green beans, 1 tsp salt and pepper, 1/4 cup water and a pinch of sugar.

Cook the garlic and shallots in the butter and oil on a low heat for roughly a half hour. You want the shallots to get lightly brown but not burnt. Add everything else and sauté until the beans are the amount of doneness you prefer. I sautéed mine for roughly 10 minutes. 

FRENCH ONION SOUP WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

 FRENCH ONION SOUP WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tbs butter, 8 cloves chopped garlic, 5 cups of chopped onions (I like a variety so I used white, yellow and purple onions), 4 cups beef stock, 1 tsp salt, pepper and sugar, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/3 cup cognac.

Topping: Swiss cheese, grated parmesan cheese and crusty bread.

Cook the onions and garlic in the butter and oil for at least a half an hour on a low heat. You want them to turn lightly brown but not burnt. Add everything else and simmer for another half an hour.

Put a crusty piece of bread in a bowl, top with soup, put a piece of Swiss cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Broil until it gets brown and the cheese is melted.