Paella Party in Minutes!

The quintessential Spanish dish, Paella, has never been simpler, faster or more delicious to serve as party fare. Just prepare Nueva Cocina's Paella Rice Mix for Seafood according to the directions on the package. Add any type of seafood you wish-shrimp, clams, lobster or chunks of any fresh, firm fish in any combination that inspires your taste buds. You can even add savory sausages and chicken, cooked separately, to the final presentation of the dish. Spectacular!

To create a festive Paella party for six, begin by setting the tone with brightly colored napkins and dinnerware. Add the sounds of Spain via tapes or CDs featuring guitar masters such as Angel or Pepe Romero in the background. "The Romance of the Spanish Guitar" is a good choice. Shop for classic or nuevo Spanish music online a few weeks before your party, and save even more time and effort.

Just before your guests arrive, fill two large bowls with ice, and place a pitcher or "jug" of red Sangria in one, and a pitcher or "jug" of white Sangria in the other. You can buy the Sangria ready made or follow our recipes below.

WHITE SANGRIA

Bottle of 750-ml white wine
1 unpeeled lemon, sliced
1 unpeeled orange, sliced
1 peeled peach, sliced very thin
¼ cup brandy, or peach Schnapps
2-3 Tablespoon sugar

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or jug (be sure sugar dissolves completely) and chill for at least one hour before guests arrive. Place pitcher or jug in bowl of ice. Line up glasses nearby, and let guests serve themselves.

RED SANGRIA, IN THE SPANISH STYLE

Bottle of 750-ml dry red wine
1 unpeeled lemon, sliced
1 unpeeled lime, sliced
1 unpeeled orange, sliced
1 cup orange juice
1 ½ cups rum
½ cup sugar

Chill juice and fruit beforehand. A few hour before guests arrive, slice fruit and place in pitcher or jug. Add the rum and sugar. Stir and place in refrigerator to blend for two hours. A few minutes before guests arrive, press down on the fruit using a wooden spoon using just enough pressure to release the flavors without breaking the skin. Add wine and orange juice. Place pitcher or jug in bowl of ice, and have guests serve themselves.

APPETIZERS

For fast, simple and very appropriate appetizers, a few small dishes of spiced almonds and green stuffed Spanish olives will transport your guests to sunny Spain.

The centerpiece of your party, the Paella, goes from shelf to plate in @30 minutes, giving you plenty of leisure time to enjoy your own party-and your guests.

THE PAELLA

Two packages Nueva Cocina Paella rice mix
1 lb seafood, in any combination
¼ - ½ lb. Spanish sausage (optional)
½ - 1 lb chicken parts (optional)

Follow fast and easy directions on package. Arrange on a large, colorful serving platter. Enjoy!

COFFEE & DESSERT

End the evening with steaming cups of rich Latin coffee and chocolates, and you've created a memorable party.

True Spaniards will tell you that the perfect time to serve Paella is at lunch. That way, you can enjoy a pleasant siesta afterwards. We like late afternoon, just as the sun is setting. Paella parties create excitement indoors or out. If planning your party on the patio or poolside, add colorful stings of mini-lanterns.