Snowy Paella

Living in South Texas my whole life, I have never experienced a snow day. I never knew what it was like being at home all day watching the snow fall and pile upon the sidewalks and streets. Luckily, Nina and Lexi, my two roommates, made being stuck in an apartment all day all the better. One thing I love about living with them is that we all love to eat. I've learned that you learn so much about people by cooking with them, sitting around the table, eating, talking, and even cleaning up.

Our day started around 10 am. We woke up and decided to make brunch: scrambled eggs with mozzarella, berry fruit salad, brioche french toast, and a meat and cheese plate. Nina cut the fruit, Lexi made the french toast, and I made the eggs. We all helped out with the cheese, meats, and jam plater. Both Nina and I made coffee. I made an espresso and she made an almond milk latte. More than enjoying the food, I enjoyed their company. We always have something to talk about. We talk about our goals, future, ourselves.

After our brunch, while the snow storm ensued, we watched TV talked danced around, and Lexi decided to use what she found in the kitchen to make delicious browned-butter chocolate chip cookies. There is something so soothing about the smell of home baked cookies.

Finally, our day wrapped up as we all made a typical Spanish paella for dinner! The day before Lexi and I bought the freshest seafood ingredients (and just enough for the three of us!) : 6 shrimp, 2 squid tubes, 10 mussels, and 6 scallops. We also added spicy Spanish chorizo and chicken to our yummy rice dish. We divided and conquered! While Lexi cooked the chorizo and chicken in the pan, I diluted the saffron with chicken stock over the stovetop. Nina cut all of the vegetables.

None of us had ever made a paella, and really we were not using any recipe. We trusted our gut, used the spices and ingredients we had in our fridge like onions, garlic, peas, tomatoes, paprika, salt, and saffron. We covered the paella and let it simmer on the stovetop for about 20 minutes. We set the table, poured three glasses of sauvignon blanc, and tasted the dish.

The night was filled with lots of good food, laughter, and conversations!

This snow day was more than just a snow day for me--it was a testament to true friendship.

So, the next time you have time to sit around with friends, cook with them!