Have you ever made paella? I have,and I’m hear to tell you perhaps more than most types of cooking, making good paella is a talent, and it’s a talent George has in spades. George is our friend Elaine’s brother in law, and we’ve had the pleasure of sampling his paella on several occasions, most recently last weekend.
There was a gathering of about 130 people, so lots of paella was needed. There were three pans of paella being cooked simultaneously and each pan was nearly 4′ in diameter.
Paella can be made many different ways, using all seafood, chicken, sausage or a combination, which is what was on tap that day. Originally, paella was a peasant dish and was made with whatever ingredients were on hand. Regardless of the type of paella you prefer, the single most important ingredient is the rice, which should ideally be short grain.
Probably the worst part of cooking paella is the clean up. Here’s George, the Paella King, with our friend Steve doing the dirty work. Nice work guys ;).
We had the grand kids for the weekend, and upon returning to the cabin Fisherman and the boys wanted to go fishing and since we were out of worms they decided to forage the yard for some. The ground was so wet from the recent downpours we had, so it didn’t take long for them to find their new pet, Walle, a salamander.
They were so excited to have their first pet! We immediately placed Walle (we actually don’t know if it’s a he or a she) in a plastic bowl, put some dirt and a small flat container of water in it and put some holes in the bowl as a temporary home until a proper habitat was available. I spent the better part of Saturday night Googling ‘how to take care of a salamander’ and when the boys got home on Sunday night they had an empty fish tank in the basement that is now Walle’s home.
I’m not a huge fan of taking animals out of their natural habitats, but I think taking care of a salamander is a good way to learn responsibility and hopefully Walle will be ok.
A couple of weeks ago I showed you how to make an easy boxed pouch for cosmetics, glasses, or whatever you want. That was an unlined pouch which was super easy but I like the look of lined pouches so I’m on a mission to find the easiest method to make one. Here’s the one I made on Sunday…
At less than 6″, this is the smallest pouch I’ve made thus far. I think I prefer the small pouches because they’re more practical for things like glasses or just some basic makeup items that you can throw in your purse.
I’m not going to show you the method I used to line this…yet. I’m going to experiment with a couple of ways to do lining and then figure out which I like best and report back to you.
I guess I could have made this post into three separate ones, but I never pass up an opportunity for alliteration ;). Have a great weekend! What’s that you say? You don’t have a Father’s Day gift yet? Well, I guess you need something fast so hop on over to this post. You can modify it to work with whatever you happen to have on hand and kids love making it!
Leah says
Their paella looks and sounds wonderful!
Our kids are much older than your grandkids but they haven’t grown out of salamander hunts! I think they are adorable!
Peggy @The Decorating Files says
You had me at “paella”! I do have to admit that salamanders freak me out, though. I can handle the largest of lizards (after all I live in Florida), but there’s something about salamanders… :0 Looking forward to seeing your tutorial on the lined pouches. 🙂
Doreen@househoneys says
I agree Peggy! They’re not my pet of choice either. Thanks for stopping by and for the RT! Take care of your hubby mañana and have a great day!
Jane says
The paella looks like something really fabulous to male with all the variations. What a fun get together. Walle is a cutie…I hope he holds the boys interests for awhile! Love your little pouches!
XO,
Jane
Elaine says
The paella looks yummy my husband would love to jump into your post. Lol that box bag is adorable, I think it’s harder than quilting though ; )
Doreen Sargente says
I’ve never quilted Elaine. Maybe we could teach each other some day :).
Angela says
That paella looks good! I’ve not had it but would definitely like to try it some day! Hope you’re having a good weekend!!~~Angela
susan moore says
One of the highlights of spring and wet weather in Wildwood is finding the orange fellas under the leaves. We’ve had a few take up residence over the years. They are so unlike the ones in FL, used to find those in the house – ugh!
I have a lined pouch pattern somewhere around here. One where the seams land inside so they don’t show. Very easy to make. If I turn it up I’ll give you a shout over the pond.
Doreen Sargente says
Thanks Susan! If you find it, do let me know. I *think* I might have figured out a way which I may try tomorrow, but I’m not sure it will work and besides, I’m always happy to try something tried and true (and easy)!
Ceil says
I agree with Peggy about salamanders, but the color is stunning! That orange is just beautiful, isn’t it?
I have never made paella, but it looks delicious, and you were going to feed 130 people? And deal with a salamander??? You, girl, are amazing.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Doreen Sargente says
Well, I won’t argue with the amazing part ;), but I didn’t cook for 130 people Ceil! LOL We went to an outing for a club that George belongs to and he did the majority of the cooking. We just went along for the ride and the good eats.
And yes, the color of these little guys are striking for sure. Thanks for stopping by!
Ceciia says
yum, paella is one of my favorite dishes!
Kids just love to collect pets! We had a tarantula which was promptly named Spiderman once. I think I’d rather of had a salamander. LOL.
I still love your pouches…make me one? 🙂
hugs,
Cecilia
Doreen Sargente says
There’s something about little animals and kids! They have an instant connection it seems.
I’d LOVE to make you a pouch! I’m making all these pouches and I have NO idea what I’m going to do with them! lol Email me your address and consider it done! I’m not kidding!