Tortilla de patatas (potato omelette). A family affair

Despite the correction of the figure of death toll from 10,000 to 2.500, the news from Tacloban are very alarming. The desperation, hunger and lack of hope are making struggles in the angry survivors. in these horrible situations it is scary what the human being is capable to do to continue to live. 

Although we cannot see the progress immediately in the devastated area, the cooperation and help are necessary from all of us, not only from Philippines. I hope the international community doesn't forget the disaster in a few months time, when Tacloban ins't in the headlines of the newspapers.

Changing subjects...my mother always says that Nick has a beautiful relation with Aurelia. Since she was born, Nick used to take her with him everywhere in Buenos Aires: to the tennis court when he played (and she was in the pusher); to the cafe La Biela to have a medialuna (croissant) for her and a cafe con leche for him; to have a pizza in his favourite Italian restaurant, La Parolaccia (where we actually celebrated Aurelia's baptism)...many lovely memories.

The older Aurelia gets the easier is for Nick to take her out and not only for a coffee, but also for a romantic dinner. Just father and daughter. It has become a monthly date between the two of them. I love it, and so does Aurelia, who dresses up for the special occasion. She enjoys the significant time Nick dedicates to her, without her two brothers.

A month ago, before the Hong Kong trip, Nick mentioned to Aure they were going out to People's Palace, a fantastic Thai restaurant in Manila. The night of the dinner, Nick was tired and felt more like staying at home. When Aure came down the stairs wearing her purple dress that I made for her and a matching handbag, and said "now, we can go out for dinner dad" with much anticipation, Nick couldn't do anything but smiling. And get dressed!

They had a great bonding time, drinking (she has a "special" drink, like a non-alcoholic cocktail) and eating and sharing moments she will remember for good.   Because they will be part of the stories she will tell to her family, like I tell you about mine now through this blog. I remember my best dinners when there are three good elements all together: company, food and conversation.

I had this runny tortilla for dinner watching one of my favourite movies "Julia and Julie" and enjoying my precious quiet time on my own.

Tortilla de patatas mediana

Un pincho de tortilla

• 2 big floury potatoes,
• 2 brown onions, chopped
• 2 cups olive oil
• 5 eggs

1. Peel the potatoes, wash and cut them in rounds of 3-4 mm. Don't put them under water because you need the starch. Place them on top of a rack and sprinkle a bit of salt over. After 3-4 minutes, wipe them down with kitchen paper (the potatoes will be watery after the salt). 
2. In a big pot, over low heat, add the 2 cups of olive oil. After 2 minutes or so, when the oil is still warm, add the potatoes with the onion. Don't increase the heat. Cover the pot. The potatoes will be cooked until soft in the oil, not fried!
3. When they are soft, strain the oil in a colander (reserve it for future use).  
4. Whisk the eggs, add a bit of salt. Incorporate the cooked potato and onion to the eggs. Mix them through.
5. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frypan over high heat. Add the egg mixture. After 2 minutes, reduce the heat (the omelette will be brown but it needs to be cooked inside), shaking the pan from time to time.
6. This step is practice, like the Italians flipping the pizza dough in the air, you need to place a plate or tortillera (a flat disk with a handle; my dad gave me one when I got married) on top of the pan and turn it over so the plate ends in your hand and the pan on top. 
7. Quickly, increase the heat, add another tbsp of oil and slide the omelette from the plate of your hand to cook the other side. Again, we increase the heat at the beginning to brown the omelette but it is reduced after 2 minutes.
8. If you like the tortilla a bit runny like in the photo, touch the centre with a spoon and if it is still soft, that's the point. Otherwise, wait until it is firm when you press gentle 

Serve it with a nice tomato salad at room temperature. And crusty fresh ciabatta. And un tinto de verano. Then, close your eyes after the first bite, and you are in any bar in Spain!

Buen provecho and good luck! Solo la practica hace al sabio.