Yum-o.

Living with Amparo is like going on a bunch of "edible adventures," and I love it. I have been here for almost 6 months, and at least once a week, we eat something new. That's a lot of new dishes. I've eaten things I never dreamed I would eat. I've eaten strange fruits that we don't have in the US. I have learned to embrace lentils. I eat meatballs here! (coming from a girl who didn't eat beef for a long time..that's a big step--though the meatballs are a mix of pork and beef) I also have learned to love peppers and onions in a lettuce salad with some tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt. It's delicious!

At dinner, we sometimes talk about upcoming meals, especially if Amparo is working--she likes to have things prepped for those nights. Last week when we were talking, she mentioned something about having us make a list of foods we like. I think she said it as a joke, but Marli and I took her seriously--and made a list of foods that we like a lot--the list is long, and she was incredibly surprised.

About a week ago, we went on edible adventure...Amparo made tapioca soup. Yes...tapioca...like the little grains in the pudding. It was like chicken noodle soup--but instead of noodles...TAPIOCA. It was quite odd, but delicious.

Yesterday, she decided to make chicken curry--just because. And since she went to India last summer, she had all sorts of spices to use. It was delicious as well!

Speaking of meatballs, Marli and I prefer them with GRAPES on the inside. A peeled and deseeded grape to be specific. Something she saw on Arguiñano (more about him in a minute) and had to try!

Another delicious thing with grapes is "migas"--Amparo's version of American stuffing. Hers has lots of herbs, peppers, bacon, and grapes--and is delicious.


Then there is Arguiñano. Karlos Arguiñano is THE tv chef of Spain. He's a wonderful man who is on every weekday at 2pm. He sings, makes jokes and really delicious food. We've tried a few of the dishes that have been on the show--all pretty good! He loves to use parsley, and Amparo loves to watch him and use parsley!

So I've eaten lots of crazy things since I've been here, and it's really opened me up to a world of different food. I'm excited to go back to the US and cook for everyone!!
To end...2 pics of dishes that I really like!

Migas!! (Amparo's version of stuffing--minus the grapes!)


Lentil Soup with Rice!