Grand Preats! Three of them, because I’m behind, and only photos for two, because of my character flaws.
Barcelona: there is so much intriguing catalan food that is hard to make because I am busy and live with someone who doesn't eat/can't bear the smell of fish. So I just made this romesco sauce, which is, as promised, very good and very easy.
Canada: Look, I had visions of montréal style bagels, and smoked meat, and poutine, but Montréal is also the home of the best version of my favorite pastry I've ever had. Kouign amann from Kouign Amann is an unmissable experience. The first one was overproved, then I rushed the turns, and then it was underbaked, because it was a day of unexpected crises rather than a day of quiet baking, so I did it again this week.
On the second try it stuck to the pan, because it's caramelized and I don't have a nonstick big enough for it, but it's so good. Good enough that I'm going to try again and see if it will come out if I don't let it cool in the pan, and good enough that if that doesn't work I'll probably get a giant nonstick skillet for this specific purpose.
And then mugello! I was most intrigued by these potato ravioli/italian pierogi, which are specifically from mugello, but it made more life sense to make a party appetizer, so I actually made chicken liver paté for the first time. I medium like paté, I'm not obsessed with it, but it was a pretty good paté, and enjoyed by the people at the party who love the stuff. Also easy and cheap to make, and high impact on a charcuterie board, especially if you are a person who also makes the bread, people LOVE that.
