Congratulations to Richard Stephens, great guy, friend, Madrid lover and long time Ex-Pat residing in this amazing city for his recent appointment as moderator for the "tapeando", eating and drinking" forum. I am sure that his expertise as a chef and wine expert here will be greatly appreciated by all.
Saludos,
jer...

Yes, indeed! Congratulations, Richard, and I will jump right in and recommend a source for Spanish ingredients for U.S. folks who don't live in a major metropolitan area: www.tienda.com is run by a former Navy chaplain who lived in Spain for years. You can get real chorizo, jam�n serrano,saffron, olive oil and olives, etc. Perhaps Richard knows of other mail order suppliers?

Congrats Richard!

Not bad for a kid from Illinois, who enjoyed burgers, fries and malts over the real meals momma made at home...

As I look back on my life, there are only two things that I wish I had done along the away, other than what I have experienced. One, become a teacher, and secondly, to learn how to cook like a master.

JP (Who greatly admires people who have the fortitude to work in hot conditions creating masterpieces.)

Hey thanks for the kudos, kiddos.
I am really enjoying this forum and look forward to chatting and helping as much as I can. I don't know the answer to it all but will do my best to find out.
JP, it is never too late to get that masters degree in cooking... just takes a lot of hours and I perceive that the enthusiasm is definitely there!!
BTW, on the hopes that my mom will never see this forum, she is a terrible cook and there was no reason to eat at home!!! I think that is one reason I learned to cook.. out of self-defense!!!!

Hi Richard, I am so glad this forum happened. I love to cook and learn, I am a culinary art student having finished my first semester here in the states, just at a technical college, nothing as fancy as CIA. But my first question is can I buy saffron in spain, is it great stuff, how much should I pay, where can i get it. I will be coming to Madrid next wed JUly 4 then off to Salamanca, Sevilla, granada back to Madrid. I can't wait. Thanks for any help, Also what brand of olive oil should i look for. Peggy
Can't wait to get to Madrid!

Hi Peg,
Sorry that I did not see your message til today, the 6th and I guess you are here now!!
Yes, you can certainly buy saffron in Spain as this country is one of the world's main suppliers of this wonderful spice. The quality is very good and you can find it in a lot of places. I think one of the good places to buy it is in the Corte Ingles Gourmet Section (not to be confused with the supermarket where you can also find it in any case.) It is not cheap but a nice little box of it can cost you around 2000 pesetas ($10). But remember that a little bit goes a long way. Just a pinch is enough to flavor and color a good sized paella. When you use it, do not just throw it in what you are cooking but rather put the strands in a soup spoon (for example) and add a little warm water and then crush it with the round end of a knife or something similar to extract the essence. Then add this to your cooking dish.
Just remember that you get what you pay for. If you find cheap saffron you can bet it is adulterated or phony. So try to buy it in a reputable shop.
Enjoy Spain. It sounds like a nice tour you are going to do!!!!