Here is another entry to my Spain adventure.  One of ours stops was in the town of Valencia.  While there we visited the Valencia Club Cocina.  This was a culinary college and its agenda for the day was to teach us to make Paella Valencia.  In the picture you will see me with the two teaching chefs George and Mario.  We are holding an extra-large pan that we used to make the paella.  I was asked to assist the chefs in making the paella which we then served to the entire tour group.    Here is the recipe:  Ingredients;  2 cups olive oil; 2 pounds chicken cut into pieces 2 pounds of pork cut into pieces 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 tomato, grapped;  4 1/2 cups water 1 1/3 pounds rice; salt and fresh rosemary and 1 pinch of saffron for coloring.  Fry meat in olive oil in pan until golden brown.  Add paprika half way through browning process.    Push meat to edge of pan and place tomatoes in the center of pan.  Add half of the water simmer for 30 minutes until most of the water  has evaporated.  Add rice evenly over pan and fry for a few minutes, add the rest of the water and cook for 20 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper add saffron for color.  Once this is done the paella should not be stirred anymore  For the last two minutes increase the heat to high until the layer of rice starts to caramelize, creating what Valencians call the "socarrat."  If the rice starts to burn remove the pan from the heat immediately.  Let set for a few minutes before serving. We also made Andalusian Gazpacho and Sangria. If I were to do another cook book these recipes would certainly be included.

 

Enough of the Spanish experience for this week and now on to other important news.

 

This past week the Progressive Women's Association held their annual membership reception.  And this was a good example that the PWA is alive and well.  President Marsha Vigilianco and the board members prepared the appetizers for the reception.  Music was furnished by Janice McMurdo.  Many local merchants donated door prizes which were awarded throughout the evening.  Tours were conducted throughout the building.  Many were surprised at the new look of the Uptown Event Center. and some had no idea of the facilities that are available to the public. The Blue Ribbon Committee worked very hard to make these recommendations which were carried out by the directors.  The Vintage Theatre was doing a rehearsal and those in attendance were invited to enjoy this event which was presented on Saturday. If you are interested in joining the PWA call 304 624 6881 and talk to the Director, Elinda Carson.

 

I was made aware of a new business in town by Celeste Clutter and Michelle Moicai.  The  name of it is Mad Women and they excel in marketing, advertising and design.  If you are looking for any of these services, why not try them?  Phone is 304 476 3048 or 304 704 2066.

 

Just a whisper that I think that Spring may be here, but do not say it out loud as I am afraid I will wake up tomorrow to a ground covered with snow.  Keep in touch and until next week "Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine."