Goddess Of Scrumptiousness

[Rows of pineapple plants] © Jeannie Maristela 2011

FOOD AND TRAVEL - PART 1

FROM FARM TO TABLE

I traveled South of my country yesterday where farm-fresh and sweet pineapples are farmed, harvested and sold either in front of the plantations or along the highway.

I always enjoy the part of traveling where I get to sample, buy and take home the specific local produce of that place. It gives me a sense of awareness and appreciation of not only the local soil that cultivates it, but also the people- farmers who grew and harvested it.

We bought the fresh picked pineapples we took home from this farmer’s makeshift stand along the highway.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but whenever I handle an ingredient with my hands that I either picked myself or have been aware of where it came from, I find myself being more thoughtful and gentle handling it, I wallow in its presence on my cutting board or plate. I believe, to appreciate and not be wasteful of food, or anything in this life really, one must be aware and conscious of, well, of all beginnings of anything and everything that ends up in front of us… on our plates and in our lives. - Jeannie

Source: goddessofscrumptiousness

GUEST POST FRIDAY: LET US ALL TAKE A TOUR OF SPAIN

For my second GUEST POST FRIDAY, I invited Laura B. Fernández (lalitab- tumblr blog) to take us around Spain and share some of her photos of Spanish food (chorizos, cheeses, empanadas and pastries) she snaps at artisan markets in Madrid and Palencia, and pictures of the places she walks and visits as a traveling Senora.

I discovered her blog, two months ago, I believe. I was instantly hypnotized by her photos of huge bundles and wheels of cheeses (I am a cheese fiend!) and from then on, her blog became one of my favorite blogs that combines both travel and food.

Farmhouse cheeses from the artisan market in Palencia.

From an artisan market in Palencia, Spain

Servilleta cheese, a fresh goat’s cheese made in South Valencia, Spain

Sweet and spicy chorizos, Artisan Market in Guardo, Spain

Tuna, cheese and chorizo pasties at the artisan market in Guardo, Palencia (Spain)

Paella

Aperitivo. Madrid (Spain)

Tapas in Cuenca, Spain

Made in Spain mother of three.
I´m not a musician,but I play cello.
I´m not a photographer,but I love taking photos.
I´m not a chef,but I cook and will share pics and recipes.
Love reading,and the smell of books.
I´m an eager soul.

I didn´t know how to cook until I met my future husband ten years ago. I fell in love with him and wanted to be better in what sums up to be lil´ol me. So I got my driving license at the age of 25, started playing my cello again, began cooking, and I´m planning on going to college next year if all goes well. So, basically I´m taking my second chances and not letting them go. I´m a good example of “you are never too old to keep learning”.

Photography is my hobby, cuz I´m self taught, I´m no photographer, I wish I was! It started because I love my country, and my city, and it has so much potential- so many beautiful places, people and gastronomy that you only have to push the button and you´ll have a wonderful picture.

And there´s the food. I´ve met a bunch of wonderful men and woman from East to West in Spain, people from different provinces, of whom I borrowed recipes and cooking knowledge, thanks to the great trips we (my three sisters and my parents) used to make through Spain when I was younger, and now when hubs takes us to explore the Spanish map whenever we can. - Laura

Laura graciously shared her recipe for authentic Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish Omelette)