First of all, I’ve been gone again for way too long.. almost a month, which for a blogger is almost completely unacceptable.  I will try to make up for lost time.

Barcelona was amazing.  I indulged in all of the food I intended on trying – patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce), gelato of all flavors (twice a day.. literally: nutella, straciatella, brownie, sweet biscuit, tiramisu) I could not get enough of the stuff.  I think I should open my own gelato francise here in America -I would make so much money.  Sangria and red wine were staples – by the bottle or the jug.  I only had paella one but it was so flavorful and satisfying, filled with chicken and saffron and shrimp (that unfortunately still had the eyes on it..) that I found bliss instantly.

Even the plane ride there and back was incredible; I definitely know why people splurge for the internation Business class.  The second we sat down, I was handed a glass of champagne.  To follow, as much wine as I wanted and a three course dinner. PLUS, a two course snack later and rolls with delicious, creamy German butter. 

Needless to say, I’ve been dieting ever since, but doing very well. (A full 13 pounds down at least!) 

To bring us up to date, I’ve still been experimenting with appetizers for my family.  The mushroom tartlets didn’t go over as well as I hoped but my mom and dad LOVED the spinach-mozzarella balls I made them.  They just need to be a bit smaller, those were huge suckers.  I’m going to give a lemon-rosemary chicken skewer the old try next.

I’ve also been trying to cook things other than the same chicken every night.  Last night, I took a recipe by Robin Miller and spiced it up by adding a few things here and there, throwing it in the crockpot and letting it go for 5 hours on high.  It was like autumn on a plate – apples, onions, chicken, rosemary, creamy soup and a bit of salt and pepper.  I’ll post the recipe in my Tried & True section because it definitely deserves to be there.

Tonight, I’m thinking fish.  Any suggestions?