Paella Party

Paella is a saffron infused rice dish, studded with various seafood or meat. It’s the perfect entertaining food; the aromatic seasonings and fresh ingredients create a stunning visual presentation as well as a sumptuous feast. The ingredients are variable. Beyond the necessary saffron, rice, garlic, and sweet pepper, you can use any combination of seafood (think shrimp, clams and scallops), sausage (chorizo links are traditional) and fowl that you like. The specifics change with each region of Spain (and with each cook!).

It’s a great idea for a party-make a huge pan of paella, loaded with seafood and fragrant with saffron. You can start it when the guests arrive and invite them to join you in the kitchen as it cooks. The smell alone will draw them in. Set out bowls of almonds, pieces of sliced bread with Manchengo cheese , and make a pitcher of sangria to tide you over until the paella is ready. Since it’s an all-in-one dish, you don’t need to serve much alongside. A light salad with dried figs and Cabrales, a tangy Spanish blue cheese, and you’re set to go. Oh, and don’t forget the Crème Catalan- the traditional Spanish custard with a caramel topping is well worth the extra work. But, if you’re not quite up to creating your own paella party tonight, or you’d like some more tips on how to create this mouthwatering dish, join Nancy Forrest in her Paella Party Class tonight. She’ll give you all the insider tips on creating a Spanish style fiesta, plus shopping tips on Spanish ingredients. See you there!

-Josie