I like to cook. But the thing is, when you’re single, there’s no great pleasure in standing over a hot stove, stirring soups, or chopping copious amounts of vegetables. When you have a boyfriend who really likes good food or a good dessert, well, things change. Right now, I’ve got roasted eggplant soup simmering on the stove. (I know my father is salivating at the thought of that. Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll make you some when I come home.)

In Spain, I’ve been cooking a lot. Mario hates it. Really, the poor thing, he’s often arriving home to the smell of something in the oven, oregano wafting through the air. Here’s some of the things I’ve been up to:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Cinnamon Muffins
• Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tart
• Garlic Tomato Soup
• Homemade Pasta (it’s an egg and flour, how simple could it be?)
• Homemade Crackers

If you’re hungry, come on over to Spain and I’ll cook you up a meal!