I had forgotten how important quality ingredients were until I received our new fun Try the World box featuring foods from Spain.  For this weeks Bride in the Kitchen series, we are going to explore this exciting subscription box and some fun new food items to spice up your meals.  Jason and I saw an advertisement for Try the World awhile back and as big foodies, were interested to try it out.  While we expected to like the foods, we didn’t expect our kids to.  The first box we received was from Spain and as we lifted the lid, this wonderfully smoky smell filled the air.  We got a hint of what was in the paprika container . . . but more on that later and the value of quality ingredients.

Both Jason and I have had Turron’s before and while I love the flavor, I have to dunk them in coffee to eat them.  They are brick hard otherwise but very good.  If you find a store that sells the Ines Rosales crumble cakes, buy them NOW!  Seriously, they are citrus perfection.

I haven’t summoned up the courage to open the P. Listo floral jam yet because it is just so pretty with flowers all in it so I may save that for Christmas and make a fancy breakfast with some Champagne or coffee.  There are several other items that we are looking forward to trying including the Tomato Garlic Salsa, and Espinaler Tuna, but for now, what I really want to tell you about is the Patatas Bravas, Paprika, and Olive Oil.

The recipe came in the Culture Guide to Spain with our box along with several other Tapas recipes centered around what we received.  Both the olive oil and the paprika were a good reminder to us to use quality ingredients.  As a new bride I had forgotten all about that.  Since being on my own I had always purchased my spices and olive oil at a grocery store until my mom reminded me of the market down in Decatur Georgia that I went to as a kid.  Entering that market is like stepping into a middle eastern spice stall.  The spices are fresh and pungent and when used in dishes, they elevate an ordinary meal to something much more delicious.

Bride in the Kitchen tip: Purchase quality spices and oils to make simple dishes taste 5 star