Justseeds.org is an artists’ cooperative that, in their own words, is “committed to making print and design work that reflects a radical social, environmental, and political stance.” I learned about the site via Rethinking Schools. I love the vibrant images and strong messages in these artist prints:
All images c/o justseeds.org. Have a great week.
-Alison
This past weekend my husband made a delicious paella mixta, complete with chorizo, chicken, shrimp, and even oysters from Bodega Bay Oyster Company. This was an all-day affair, which is to be expected, given the prep and the research he wanted to do about the best methods for making paella. He decided to cook it on the grill outside, over wood chips, which gave the it a delicious, smoky flavor. He earned major points with this endeavor!
I was inspired to share some video clips with you about the cooking process. A clear recipe for paella mixta can be found here. Keep in mind that everyone likes different ingredients, so it may take a few tries until you establish your “style.” I know that every Spanish family has their secret to the perfect paella. I especially like this video, which shows in detail the different steps taken to prep and cook the ingredients before combining everything in the pan for simmering.
I also can’t resist sharing this video – just in case you want to know what cooking paella for 400 people looks like.
Finally, a post about paella is not complete without a mention of fideuà. I fell in love with fideuà while in Valencia. This pasta version of paella is, to me, the epitome of comfort food. I made some awhile back for a Spanish friend of ours, and he pronounced it proper…so, feeling confident in my skills at this point. Between my husband’s paella and my fideuà, we are covered.
One big piece of advice is to give yourself enough time for cooking. Make it an all-afternoon affair, complete with a bit of manchego and Albariño, and you’ll be a happy camper. Buen provecho.
Back by popular demand, I have a new edition of good news tidbits from around the Spanish-speaking world. Shall we begin?!
If you’d like more, head over to my first good news post for more articles. Have a great weekend!
Happy back-to-school season. If you are anything like me, you are bidding a bittersweet “hasta luego” to sleeping in, lazy days by a (fill in the blank: pool, ocean, river, etc.), and warmer nights. But have no fear, your Spanish mix is here! I’ve compiled a list of ten songs that will help keep that summer sunset going in your mind. 🙂 Here they are:
Ana Tijoux ft. Shadia Mansour: “Somos Sur” – Beautiful song, beautiful message.
Julieta Venegas: “Limón y Sal” – The title itself will remind you of margaritas.
Enrique Iglesias: “Bailando” – Enrique just won’t quit, and this is a total summer 2015 anthem.
Camila: “Mientes” – Samo’s strong vocals make Camila one of my favorites.
CD9: “Ángel Cruel” – Boy band fans rejoice, this one is for you.
Enrique Iglesias ft. Marco Antonio Solís: “El Perdedor” – Perfect for crying over your breakup…or over the end of summer.
Prince Royce: “Darte un Beso” – He’s channeling some Hawaii here for sure.
La 5ª Estación: “Algo Más” – Natalia Jiménez can make any day better. Love, love, love her voice.
Luis Fonsi: “Corazón en la Maleta” – Good title for summer.
Juan Luis Guerra: “La Guagua” – I would love to be on this bus.
Wishing you a happy end of summer and beginning of fall.
Photo credit: http://fondos.wallpaperstock.net/
Hi everyone – I’m thrilled to share my first video blog entry with you! These videos help to inspire those of you who are learning Spanish. I’ll provide you with tips and tricks that, no matter how you are learning Spanish, will help you to take learning into your own hands.
The topic for video #1? Talking to yourself! Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments below.
I just got back from nearly one month of nonstop travel, and it feels good to be home! Today I ate lunch at one of my favorite falafel joints here in San Francisco. I have to say, it would have been tough to find Mediterranean food as good as today while I was in Costa Rica and Hawaii.
So, I am here to report that I reached my travel goals – ziplining in Costa Rica, surfing, and pushing myself physically on hikes in Kaua’i. First, the ziplining in Costa Rica:
The canopy tour was beautiful. My students and I zipped, rappelled, and balanced our way through the jungle. The first couple of jumps were very scary for me, and I just kept my eye on the platform ahead me….or far below me…by the end I was having fun. The last zipline was gorgeous and veeeeery loooong. I could hear the Pacuare River rushing below me. I also had the chance to take a surfing lesson in Costa Rica, and my instructor was great. I got up three times!
Hiking in Kaua’i was beautiful, difficult, and uplifting. The scenery is breathtaking, and at times it is as if you are stepping right out of a photo from the guidebook. On the island, “breathtaking” means hills, mountains, lots of scrambling, lots of sun, and – for us – lots of rain! We hiked four different trails, and two of those were in the pouring rain and mud. We had the gear, though, and figured it was better to get drenched than to be bored inside. The elevation and steep climbs were challenging. In all, we hiked twenty-four miles over eight days.
How is your own summer travel shaping up? I hope you have a moment to rest and rejuvenate this season.
Here are some shout-outs from my two trips!
-Costa Rica Explorations: Service learning trips in Costa Rica for students in Middle and High School. http://www.costaricaexplorations.org/
-Turrialba, Costa Rica: Where my students spent most of the time in Costa Rica. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/costa-rica/central-valley-and-highlands/turrialba
-Hacienda Tayutic: A working hacienda in the lush mountains of Costa Rica’s Turrialba region. http://www.ticotimes.net/2012/07/20/turrialba-s-treasure-hacienda-tayutic
-Holo Holo Boat Tours: Highly recommended for a sunset cruise of Kaua’i’s Napali Coast. https://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/kauai_boat_tours/napali-sunset-sightsee-tour/?gclid=CNa02qub3sYCFZBcfgodzsgJYw
-Kauai Explorer: Updated hiking guide to Kaua’i. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/
-Casa di Amici, my favorite meal in Kaua’i: http://www.10best.com/destinations/hawaii/kauai/poipu/restaurants/casa-di-amici/
-Anahola Cafe and Saimin Stand: Classic saimin and plate lunches, plus benefits a local nonprofit dedicated to projects on Hawaiian Home Lands. http://www.hawaiireporter.com/anahola-cafe-and-saimin-stand-a-big-hit
Alison Trujillo Translations