San Geraldo's Flamenquín

San Geraldo did it again. He fed me and then he fed the cats — not the same food. But, we are all content, lazy, and ready for some sleep. (The cats, unfortunately, will be running around the house once the lights are out... I hope I won't).

We've enjoyed a local dish called Flamenquín in a variety of restaurants around town. I know you're wondering, so I'll tell you: Flamenquín means "little Fleming," which apparently refers to the golden color that resembled the blond hair of the Flemings who came to Spain in the 1500s along with Charles V. There now you can rest easy.

DEEP-FRYING IN OLIVE OIL... YES, THERE WAS A LOT OF CLEAN-UP.

Traditionally, flamenquín is pork loin wrapped around ham, coated with bread crumbs and egg, and then deep-fried. But, it's not uncommon to find ham and cheese wrapped in chicken instead. Downstairs, Dos de Mayo serves their own version of "mini" flamenquíns. Several blocks away, Café Santa Marta serves a not uncommon version that is more than a foot long and quite phallic. San Geraldo decided to see if he could produce his own version with chicken at home. Not only did he produce it, he improved on it. His flamenquín included large pimentos, which added a nice little kick to the filling. I think he used his cookbook, "The New Spanish Table."

LOOKING JUST LIKE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO.

It obviously won't be found in "The Zone Diet" cookbook, but at least it's fried in olive oil; it could be worse. Anyway, we had salad for lunch today, and a healthy lunch and dinner yesterday (well except for the ice cream at 11:00 p.m.), and no dessert tonight. And I do live with a saint. I'm sure we'll be forgiven.

I CUT THIS IN HALF ALL BY MYSELF. AND I SAY I DON'T COOK!

Among San Geraldo's many talents in the kitchen is his ability to use as many dishes, pots and pans, and serving pieces as possible, and to leave a trail behind on every surface. I usually walk into the kitchen after a meal and gasp. Tonight, he was especially creative (seven dinner plates, two large soup bowls, one cereal bowl; plus pots, pans, silverware for five, tongs, and more). But clean-up didn't take much time; it's my one skill in the kitchen. Besides, I'm no longer living on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese or frozen pizza. I will not complain.