Sweet simplicity in Andalusia

I like the days when Monchéri cooks. It's nothing fancy or complicated. It's usually a dish of rice prepared the Andalusian way with sauté onions, red pepper, onions, garlic, chicken and white wine. I'm not allowed to enter the kitchen, not that he doesn't want to share the secret of his recipe but he likes his privacy; that is he likes to use the whole space, have all drawers open just in case he needs to grab a spatula or a knife.



And the music is very important too. Blues...John Lee Hooker and Etta James...preferably very loud....Monchéri says it helps him to concentrate on the rice cooking.
After one hour, I usually grow impatient and ask him if it's ready. He smiles and lights up a cigarette.

I sigh and go back to my work until he shouts out A comer ! (let's eat). He wants me to taste first. It's truly delicious and I eat it like food made with love.



Slowly and smiling.....If you'd ask me, what's your idea of a perfect summer day ?, I'm not too sure what my answers would be but for sure, I always cherish these easy simple days with no big expectation. These simple, ordinary days when life flows gently and the pleasures sum up to a quick nap under a tree and stealing mulberries from the
neighbor.

ps: for another simple pleasure, hop to my other blog !

Comments

Linda Sue said…
Ohhh sigh! lala, your life is - delicious- your "moncheri" so handsome. Please tell me that he does not clean up after making meals...
maría cecilia said…
Ese arroz se ve muy bueno!!!... voy a comer algo y vuelvo...
Cariños desde Chile
María Cecilia
DollsAndSpooks said…
a perfect summer for me is just lounging in a beautiful garden, reading a good book, and eating peanuts and drinking iced tea. very simple but for me, totally relaxing. take care!


charmedwishes18.blogspot.com
Unknown said…
you really have a special way of making us appreciate the simple joys in life. lovely post.
Your Moncheri is a keeper! :)

Love this post and how easy and relaxing I felt after reading it!
Joyful said…
Sounds like a perfect day. And the rice, looks delicious :-)
Mélanie said…
Des moments simples mais si riches ...J'adore les journées d'été au coucher de soleil surtout quand les journées sont calientisssssimas , vers 19h 30 l'ambiance est calme alors je prépare un petit apéritif bien frais et j'attends que le soleil nous tire sa révérence...
Hola! I stumbled across your magnificent blog! I am of Spanish origin living in the U.S. and I am a French teacher. My father's people came from the north of Spain but I have never been there. Your photos and stories give me a deep desire to see the country that many of my friends love...I used to also dance Flamenco! Come and visit me sometime...Anita
santamaker said…
Love the idea of a day without expectations...I have to remember that. I sometimes feel sad that I "wasted" the day when I didn't really do anything or go anywhere. Thanks for that thought and the arroz con pollo looks muy sabroso. Any chance we might ever get the recipe?
Thanks so much for your reply to my comment a few weeks back. We've had to postpone our trip to Spain, but am looking forward to going in the Spring. Would love to be there for Semana Santa...(along with the rest of the world...I'm sure). I appreciate you reading my story. ;)
A man in the kitchen - girl you know how to live!
Hopped and skipped over to Un mariage au soleil.
Your work is so beautiful, creative and imaginative!
You must work in your sleep!
Cheeers!
Ry
Oh! You are a delight! I have you on my blog list and I want to keep up with your magical world of my familie's homeland!!! Beautiful, just beautiful! Anita
Maya said…
I love days without plans, hanging out on the porch with my husband, enjoying each others company, the view, the breeze, as well as good food and wine (too). I think it's neat that he doesn't want you in the kitchen..., at our home that is not really possible..., it's all open concept.
Swetha said…
even i love not to plan and spend lazy summer!!
Susana said…
qué romántico lala! gracias por tu mensaje... hablamos prontito!
Unknown said…
Cute knees and mulberries! Oh Lala!

David
http://www.globalaroundtown.blogspot.com
Anonymous said…
What a gift. Cooking ability is such a gift. The food looks great.
rochambeau said…
You are a lucky girl Lara. Your Cheri is a kind person that is creative and a good cook. Thankfully I have one of those too! Aren't we lucky?
A toast to you both.
May your day be delicious!
xox
Constance
DolceDreams said…
Isn't it wonderful to have a man that can cook! I just dislike the mess that I must clean up afterwards, but, such is the price to pay...no complaints! I love your photos and you have made me hungry!
Nathalie
Vivian said…
Merci pour le beau commentaire sur mon blog, et sur celui de Des! C'est bien apprécié. J'ai découvert le tien grâce à Des, et tes photos sont tout simplement magnifiques.
Italo said…
Lala, how is beautiful your life?!?!? :D
The food seems wonderful, friends, stay on the grass, a romantic light! wow!
I love your simple delights in live. -Jayne.
Celeste Maia said…
Ah Lala, you live such a charmed life, and your Moncheri is so handsome and talented, just like you. Coming to your blog is always a treat to the senses.
Scarlet said…
Maybe that's what I need, John Lee Hooker to help me cook rice. Btw, why, ¿¿POR QUE??, doesn't Moncheri want to share his recipe?? It looks delicious!! Your whole life is delicious...

Enjoy your weekend, dear Lala. ;)
What a cozy routine. I visited your other blog and can't remember if I left a comment here, Lala, but I wanted to let you know I visited. I hope the wedding planning goes well...you have such talent. <3
ceecee said…
I would love this dish. And I love how Moncheri is so particular about his privacy in the kitchen. I am sure that he is a marvelous cook. And I love his taste in music - I have seen John Lee Hooker play in a very tiny venue. The delights of the life of Lala!
Catherine xx
Caroline said…
Oh lucky Lala! Moncheri cooks for you - bliss! And the ribbon is on its way too - lucky me!!
Hi Thanks for visiting...I'm looking forward to your next post. -Jayne
The books sometimes are, sometimes not, part of a larger body of work...I'm working now on life size paper dolls to compliment a costume/couture show I'm building. And you can see other images from 'Minotaur' on the main blog http://harnetthargrove.blogspot.com/
I know, TMI, but it casme out fast!
Jane Flanagan said…
Hi Lala - Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I'm so glad to discover yours too! It looks like you live a beautiful life.

I'm so glad you love my homeland. It is very special, though I think you've picked better weather!

Jane
xx
Traveling Mama said…
I am so glad to have come across your blog! We are Americans living in Morocco and come regularly to Spain. Last year we spent two month in Marbella for the birth of our son. It was SO hard to leave! Spain feels like home to us but much of that is because we lived in Barcelona for two years. I have yet to visit a land that I loved so dearly!
Anairam said…
A partner who cooks is a treasure! (Protect him with your life.) I love simple days too. Life flowing gently - I like those words!
christina said…
sweetheart this rice, looks divine. and made with such love.
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