La Comida de Mis Padres

Meatballs

In Spain, I absolutely adore my host family. Ivan and Vanessa are a fantastic couple that work together to provide a comfortable environment, baby Manuel can always brighten my day, and Copi the dog always greets me when I come home. One of the highlights of my experience has definitely been the meals that they prepare for me every day. Before coming to Spain, I admit that I was a bit terrified. I was a pretty picky eater with certain foods, and feared that I would not like enjoy the Spanish cuisine. However, I have learned that Spanish food “es la leche!” Everything has so much flavor, and I just love the food that my host parents cook for me.

Rice with chicken

In my household, Ivan and Vanessa both take turns shopping for groceries and cooking . In a typical week, they visit the mercados in the neighborhood and supermercados several times- depending on the type of food. They buy a new loaf of bread every day, since bread is eaten at every meal. Fruits and vegetables are bought twice or three times a week, while fish and meat is only once a week. They prefer to shop at specialized shops like pescaderias, since even though it is more expensive, the food is higher quality. Of course, they shop at supermarkets out of convenience sometimes as well. In recent years, they have noticed a slight increase in prices- for example, their bread used to only cost 40 cents per loaf, while now it is 60 cents. While the hike in price is not much, one loaf everyday makes quite a difference!

Soup with chickpeas and veggies

Now let’s get to the good part: the actual food! They are both fantastic cooks and I am never disappointed. Their cooking has even encouraged me to be less picky. For example, I have eaten whole plates of mushrooms, asparagus, and gazpacho soup despite the fact that I did not like them initially (and they got better as I continued eating). Some of my favorite dishes thus far have been creamy zucchini soup, fish stuffed with ham with nuts sprinkled on top, a platter of different types of sausage, and seafood paella. The food at my house is perfect- every day I get a serving of fruit, meat, vegetables, and cookies for dessert. In the United States I did not eat salad much, but here, the salad they make is deliciously filled with vegetables, seeds, and a light dressing of oil. Nearly every day, I take a picture of my meals and send the pictures to my family in the states to show what cool things I eat! 

Salmon and veggies

Sausage platter with hotdogs

Fish with ham inside

 So who taught them the ways of the master chef? For Ivan, he watched his mother cook when he was growing up, and picked up on some techniques from her. His favorite dish to make are sandwiches; in general, he loves all food and is not “tiquismiquis” like I am sometimes. For Vanessa, her grandmother taught her how to cook, and she enjoys making pasta since it is easy and delicious. Her favorite food is lasagna! As for me, I only know how to cook Ramen noodles and eggs, but this summer I will surely learn more! My favorite food is-surprise surprise- ice cream.

Well that is it for now! This Sunday I will attempt to cook chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast for my family, and hopefully it will work out!