We have a winner!!!

Hello troops! It’s Friday so I hope you are getting a bit of relaxation in after a long week of work, maybe a massage or a good meal, maybe some drinks with friends, or even just the luxurious feeling of being able to get under those covers a little bit earlier than usual with a good book.

Over here the kids are all bathed and and sweet-smelling and in their pajamas, although getting them in bed is another story. My husband and I are contemplating a quiet dinner out, after the kids have settled a bit. We live in the city so traffic, as you can imagine, is like the fifth circle of hell. Luckily, also because we live in the city, there are a lot of delicious places within walking distance.

But…but! I am not here to bore you with my dinner plans or the cleanliness (albeit a temporary one…sigh) of my children. I am here to announce the winner of my birthday giveaway!!! The lucky reader who will win a tin of pimenton de la Vera and, as a bonus, some of the “por asados” spice mix I buy at the Boqueria market in Barcelona. Both I use a lot in my cooking.

If you have been reading this blog for I while you know that I like to sneak pimenton into almost everything. And why not? I think most dishes can benefit from a touch of deep, smoky pepper flavor. I use it in (surprise, surprise) many Spanish dishes, as well as anything that I want to give a Spanish touch (for example, it’s lovely in caldereta). Just think of the flavor of smoky Spanish chorizo and that’s what this adds. So I also use it to ramp up the flavor of less-than-stellar chorizo. I also use it in many things that are tomato-based…it is excellent in all sorts of tomato sauce! It is also a brilliant addition to spice rubs for roast chicken. And if you are looking for a simple way to introduce yourself to pimenton just fry an egg in hot olive oil and then dust the pimenton on top along with some salt…one of my very favorite things! The pimenton I am giving away is from La Chinata a well reputed maker of Spanish smoked paprika. Their products carry a Denominación de Origen which is a special classification given to products of a certain geographic region by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to certify the highest quality of products.

The asados mix I discovered on a previous trip to Barcelona. The lady at the market said it was good with roast meats. I’ve since used it on everything from beef, lamb, and chicken. It’s already got a bit of salt in it but I tend to always add more…just a tip! One of my favorite ways to use it is mixed with some pimenton and dried herbs, salt and pepper, and then rubbed on chicken with some olive oil (either whole chicken or parts) and then roasted in the oven. I also like it rubbed on little lamb chops with some salt and pepper, and fresh rosemary if you’ve got some…this can be grilled (if you are lucky enough to have one!) or pan-fried.

As you can see, these spices get me quite excited. And I am equally excited to share some with one of you!

So, without further gabbing from me, I am super happy to announce that the winner of this giveaway is Kaycee Retuerma!!! I will be in touch with you soon! I hope you enjoy cooking with these as much as I do! Please see above for suggestions on how to use the spices but if you have any more questions you can email me anytime!

Congratulations Kaycee!!! And a happy weekend to all!