Paneer from cottage cheese first attempt...for saag paneer

I read on another blog you can use cottage cheese to make a faux paneer. Since I couldn't find paneer at the store and really wanted saag paneer I decided to try making some. Original post: http://elekhni.com/2008/06/the-easy-way-make-paneer-from-cottage-cheese/

Looks like cottage cheese again!
Perhaps my mistake was in the heating step.
Should I try again another time?

 Oh well, mix with the seasonings and spinach mixture anyway.

Yum! Looks odd, tastes great.

Making Spanish Paella

For European night last week I found an easy and delicious version of Paella on allrecipes. Researching it, I learned there are different versions of paella. Some are heavier on seafood than others. Just depends what part of Spain. The seasonings are pretty important though.
If you are a fan of Cajun or Creole Jambalaya, you might find the different flavors but somewhat similar construction of Paella an interesting change. It makes for an easy, family, one-pot meal.

Cuban: Ropa Vieja in the Crockpot

Yesterday was a busy day for us, and I had the perfect meal planned. In the morning I volunteered at the homeschool group, after lunch was a doctor appointment, and in the evening was swimming. The crock pot called.

So I made an easy family-friendly Cuban meal: Ropa Vieja. It's simple, and flavorful. I've made it for a while and can't remember where I found the recipe in the first place. The whole family tends to love it. Although last night my 3.5 year old decided there was something funny about the large slices of onion. Next time I'll slice them smaller.