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Monday, January 4, 2010

Comfort Food

Victoria has made it her own personal Christmas tradition to shop for some exotic food items for her father.  He loves to try new things and she loves to look for good things that she thinks he would like. This year she gave him a gift of saffron.  Not something we have ever tried before, and Earl couldn't wait to find something to try it out in.  He searched that great wonderland of recipes called the internet and came up with this.  A Spanish/Portugese dish called Paella. You can find the recipe here.
It is quick, easy, delicious, and perfectly wonderful on a cold winter night.  Rice, chorizo, (a mexican sausage which I had no trouble finding at both Meijer and Kroger) red peppers, frozen peas and shredded roast chicken. If you are looking for a little something different, you should try this!


I am still not quite back to posting as regularly as usual. With youngest daughter home from college until tomorrow, and all the parties and chores that came with getting things back to normal, I have a lot of catching up to do.  It has been bitterly cold here in Michigan. 4 degrees here Sunday morning! The snow is falling as I type this.  I feel a bit like hibernating but I have way too much to do.  Tomorrow we drive Victoria back to school. I'll miss her, but I have had such a good time having her home I can't complain.  Besides, spring is right around the corner right? Right!? lol, well, maybe not, but I'll be looking for the sunshine anyway:>)
I am looking forward to visiting again and getting back to normal. I have some projects floating around in my head that need to get out. The dining room needs to be painted.  It looks like I'll have plenty to keep me busy.  Stay warm, enjoy the snow, and I'll be around soon.
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31 comments:

  1. StaceyJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:03 PM

    Hi girl! What fun to try saffron. I never have but have heard that it is quite special. The paella sounds amazing. We actually make homemade chorizo. That way we get to know exactly what is in it..if you know what I mean. A friend of ours shared her recipe and it is wonderful.

    Enjoy your last precious moments with Victoria. :) Stay warm!

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  2. SherryJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:14 PM

    This looks like (and sounds like) a great comfort food recipe for these cold winter days!

    Spring is coming Kathy -- I'm holding to that thought (as I sit here in 2 sweaters, my socks and slippers!!!) because I need to remember this cold won't last forever!

    Everyone was back to their regular "stations" today so I had the house to myself and it was quite lovely. I keep thinking about all the things I want to do/need to do - painting my living room and dining room is right up there too!!

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  3. HelsieJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:21 PM

    Wow that looks so good . I'm tempted to give it a go. I've never cooked with saffron either but I've always wanted to try paella since I saw huge pans of it at Notting Hill markets in the UK.
    Sounds like you have had a lovely time with the family over
    Christmas.
    Cheers
    Helen
    Ps Did I tell you I had a cousin who lives in Michigan - up near Escanaba(?). Met her husband when he was on R&R in Sydney during the Vietnam war.

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  4. Blondie's JournalJanuary 4, 2010 at 5:46 PM

    I have always wanted to make paella, saffron threads are quite amazing, aren't they? It looks delicious. I used to cook a Christmas Eve dinner for my parents when I was young. No matter what I made, my dad had to have my French Onion soup with it! Those are great memories. I love seeing Victoria do this.

    My projects include clearing up all of our Christmas decorations. I want to try a better organizational system this year. Now, if I can get some hired help!

    xoxo
    Janie

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  5. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJanuary 4, 2010 at 6:49 PM

    I love paella! I did a post last spring about a seafood paella I made. I am emailing you the link, in case Earl wants to try a new verson. It was yummy!!

    How great that Victoria appreciates her Dad's cooking and wants to buy his specialty items so he can try out new recipes....

    It is about 18 degrees here and very windy. Unusual for the area. Normal temps here are in the low 40's.
    Hugs,
    PEnny

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  6. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJanuary 4, 2010 at 6:52 PM

    Ok...I lost your email address again - lol. Email me if you want the other recipe....
    xo
    Penny

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  7. The Pleasures of HomemakingJanuary 4, 2010 at 6:57 PM

    I love paella! I used to have it all the time when I lived in NYC. I haven't had it in years though.

    Brrr...we were 10 degrees this morning and I think it hardly got higher even with the sun out. Very unsual for Georgia this time of year. But I like it! I'm always hot so I love it when it's cold.

    Manuela

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  8. Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...January 4, 2010 at 7:16 PM

    Hi sweetie...Looks good, glad you liked the saffron!
    Thanks for stopping by...sorry about the comment trouble...don't know what's going on!
    Can't wait to see what your up to in 2010...
    xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North mornings...
    Your right...it's COLD here!

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  9. Imagery by KimberlyJanuary 4, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    Oh yum yum and yum~!!!

    That looks so good!

    Enjoy your time with your girl...
    I know you have treasured every minute with her.

    Love,
    Kim

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  10. TaraJanuary 4, 2010 at 7:41 PM

    Oh, gosh, Kathy, I just want to pull up with a plate at your table!

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  11. SueJanuary 4, 2010 at 7:49 PM

    Hi and happy New Year!! How nice to have the daughter home from school and I know you will miss her tomorrow when you take her back...So your used to cold weather and I'm not...I just heard that it will be 16 tonight here in Atlanta....We just got back from jersey last night and picked up the dog today from the kennel...I am happy to have him home but not looking forward to taking him out at three in the morning!! Hope your holidays were good and hope your 2010 is a good one! Sue.

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  12. parTea ladyJanuary 4, 2010 at 8:09 PM

    Saffron is a wonderful spice . I love paella and it looks so yummy in your photo.

    No snow here in GA, but it has been extremely cold the last couple of days.

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  13. RhondiJanuary 4, 2010 at 8:30 PM

    Hi Kathy
    I love paella! I made it for our friends on new year's eve. The recipe I used called for shrimp. One of the things I like is how pretty it looks!
    Hugs, Rhondi

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  14. SueJanuary 4, 2010 at 9:25 PM

    Happy new Year Kathy,
    How delicious that looks, i heard on the news how bitter cold it was in Michigan.
    So keep warm and be safe.
    have a blessed week.
    Sue

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  15. bjJanuary 4, 2010 at 10:17 PM

    Hi, Sweet girl...are you finally over the cold you had?
    The new dish looks great..must give that a try. I have found, by now, that usually what YOU like, I like!! :)
    Stay warm....
    xo bj

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  16. Mimi SueJanuary 5, 2010 at 12:53 AM

    It's been so cold here in Utah too. Looks like a wonderful dish for a cold winter evening. Mimi

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  17. aimeeJanuary 5, 2010 at 1:48 AM

    what a neat daddy daughter tradition :) that dish looks so yummy! i will try that one. glad your time with victoria was special :)
    blessings,
    aimee

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  18. People Who Know Me Would Say:January 5, 2010 at 8:11 AM

    Hurry back! We miss you!

    And spring IS right around the corner!

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  19. UnknownJanuary 5, 2010 at 9:18 AM

    Oh Kathy, does that ever look good! I will have to try this, Chad would love it! Thank you so much for sharing this with us :) Yes, lets pretend spring is right around the corner. It is the only way to get through these icky winters!
    Love ya!
    Amy

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  20. JulieJanuary 5, 2010 at 9:24 AM

    That looks really good! My daughter had to go back last Thursday so enjoy you time it go's by so fast!

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  21. AdrienneJanuary 5, 2010 at 10:36 AM

    What a wonderful gift - and a great tradition. The paella looks wonderful - think I can almost taste it! I love saffron rice. So simple, yet so yummy. ~Adrienne~

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  22. LalleeJanuary 5, 2010 at 1:54 PM

    Happy New Year, Kathy! That looks so delicious for a chilly day. I'm eating the last of some beef stew while I catch up on blogs. I'm glad you had such a nice Christmas, and a long visit with Victoria. Stay warm. My hubby is dreading a trip to MN next week.
    Hugs,
    Lallee

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  23. MaryJanuary 5, 2010 at 2:51 PM

    Wow Kathy, that looks delicious! I'm glad you had such a great time with your family home for Christmas. It sounds like you guys have worse temps that us here in Jersey. Stay warm!

    Looking forward to seeing your projects to come!

    xoxo,
    Mary

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  24. BeverlyJanuary 6, 2010 at 11:14 AM

    Oh, we love paella. I usually add seafood to mine, too.

    I also make a Spanish bean soup that includes saffron.

    Good luck getting back into your routine. It usually takes me a few days, too.

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  25. Alice ReganJanuary 6, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    Delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I think all of us are having trouble getting back to our routines!
    Our house quest left this morning,so in a few days I hope to be back to normal!

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  26. ThisleRoseJanuary 6, 2010 at 3:51 PM

    That looks wonderful, thanks for sharring the recipe! Its been fun catching up on your blog- Its been a while since I'd stopped by.

    Happy New Year!

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  27. UnknownJanuary 6, 2010 at 4:42 PM

    Hi Kathy,
    I am loving your new header. That looks delicious. I know what you mean about not being totally back into the blog routine. I have to be more organized this year, so that I can read more blogs. I hope you have a "warm" and cozy night.
    Karen

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  28. KathleenJanuary 6, 2010 at 11:21 PM

    Hey Kathleen Grace,
    Just stopping by to see what you have been up to! No good, I see! :)
    We love paella....my hospital (when I had my son) roomie's dh is from Portugal and he always brings the best chorizo. She is Irish like me, so we keep the water glass close if the boys make it too spicy!
    Saffron..like gold!!
    Stay warm and well!
    Kathleen Lynn Grace

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  29. UnknownJanuary 7, 2010 at 8:13 AM

    Hi Kathy,

    I agree that is a great father/daughter tradition! Looks delish!

    I hope you are warm,

    annie

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  30. Moore MinutesJanuary 7, 2010 at 10:52 AM

    That is such an awesome tradition! I REALLY like that idea. In fact, now I want to try to find a new exotic food to try every year. SO happy you shared this, lol.

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  31. bee'nmeJanuary 8, 2010 at 8:19 PM

    Hey sweet friend,

    Love your daughter's/husband's ongoing exotic food challenges - looks like y'all found a really delightful dish to enjoy for years to come...looks and sounds divine!

    Glad you had the wonderful time together with your baby girl...and I hope you enjoy the coming days of starting projects and getting in the creative groove again. I love the fresh new year...it's a wonderful blank canvas just ready to be filled with the wonders of God's goodness! I pray your blank canvas fills up with beauty and joy..it'll be great to see how the year unfolds for you and your family...

    Take care, stay warm, and be blessed!

    Hugs & Blessings,
    Becky S.

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Thank you for taking the time to say hello :)