Submitted by Christen Coleman on the 2020 winter session program in Barcelona, Spain sponsored by the College of Education and Human Development…
This is the first week of my study abroad experience in Barcelona, Spain and we had a chance to get a literal taste of the culture through a cooking class. My group and I had the opportunity to cook homemade paella, a traditional Spanish dish with a chef who learned how to create this dish by her Mother. The chef explained the importance of paella to Spain and how the best paella is cooked with your loved ones because of the many steps involved to make this dish. We learned there are many various ways to make paella and while every region of Spain has a different recipe they follow, every chef has a special ingredient to add to their creation. As we cut up a various array of vegetables from the chef’s parents’ farm, we had conversations with each other and heard stories of the chef’s life here. We took turns stirring a massive paella pan filled with rice, vegetables, chicken, and spices. The sides of the dish were surrounded by mussels and topped with prawns. Once the dish was ready, we all sat around the table and enjoyed it together. This was a chance to interact with a local and become immersed in her city through cooking and an experience I will hold close to my heart forever.