Conservas de Cambados Mussels from Galicia in Escabeche (Pickled Sauce)
Plump. Meaty. Bright. These cooked whole mussels are the perfect balance between firm enough to hold their shape and tender enough to feel buttery on the palate—not chewy like other inferior brands. Their naturally orange color is intensified from the bold and zingy escabeche sauce, which seems to include a good amount of not-too-smokey Spanish paprika. The flavor of the mussels themselves is lightly briny, with a delicate ocean character, which is rounded out by the marinade’s aromatic kick. Bay leaves add a nice herbal flavor, but what truly sets these mussels apart is the addition of wine. We tried another brand that didn’t have both wine and vinegar in its marinade, just vinegar, and it had no where near the complexity of these. The wine coaxes out the paprika flavors nicely, adding a dash of fruity sweetness along the way.
​
Bacalaos Alkorta Cod Fillets in Olive Oil
Wild cod fillets, sourced from the pristine northeastern reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, are gently poached in olive oil until they are tender and flaky—but never mushy. We love their sweet, succulent flavor: Even though no butter goes into their preparation, the fillets have a buttery richness you won't find in other preserved (or even fresh) cod. Family-run company Bacalaos Alkorta, based on the Basque coast of Spain, packs them in high-quality olive oil that gives the usually lean fish a wonderful lusciousness and imparts distinct grassy-fruity notes. Try these cod fillets as an upgrade to canned tuna in any recipe, but especially for niçoise salads and pasta—cod is both a lighter-tasting option, as it has a more delicate flavor than tuna, as well as a richer option thanks to the silky olive oil. Or make a simple and delicious open-faced sandwich: Spread a few forkfuls of cod on a hearty rye or baguette with a sprinkle of salt, chopped fresh herbs, a splash of lemon juice and peppery shaved radish.
#changethewayyoucook
