When I was a child I lived in Barcelona with my family.  Often we went to the Costa Brava for the week ends…we’d arrive early in the morning and my father would order the paella and sangria for our late lunch.  They cooked it on the beach, and when it was done we’d have a feast!

Occasionally we’d travel to Valencia (the home of modern day paella from the early 19th century) to visit my Aunt Molly and her family.  She’d always cook us a paella over an open fire pit in the ground.  I’m not sure if it was the large family gatherings or the paella itself, but I have loved paella every since.

my sisters, and two of my cousins in Valencia, I'm the oldest girl!

Since becoming an adult paella has been my favorite meal to prepare for large family occasions and for special friends.  Living here in Sonoma county where we eat and live outdoors so much of the time it’s become even easier!  We now own a  paella burner which makes it very easy to prepare this special dish in either our large or small paella pan.  Less then an hour away is the great store called the Spanish Table which carries authentic Portuguese and Spanish ingredients, plus the wines and all accessories you would ever need to create this meal authentically.    Continue reading “Paella: The Ultimate in Outdoor Entertaining-Napa & Santa Rosa” »