El Gordo and fried chicken

The big loteria, el Gordo, was drawn yesterday in Spain, and as it's a national event I always watch the draw from my favourite bar. I don't buy a ticket, it's too complicated - but I enjoy the atmosphere once a year. I recorded my journey for you, it is a road trip, so I hope you'll enjoy it.

The weather has stopped me photographing the ski centre in the Sierra Nevada. Apparently high winds have prevented the skiing, and together with poor visibility it has had to close for the last few days. All is not doom and gloom though! I've used my spare time to perfect Thai red curry and KFC style fried chicken. The Thai curry was easy and it tastes and smells like I remember it in Bangkok. The KFC style chicken was a little trickier and I've been struggling to replicate it since the summer. However a friend of mine let me into the secret of the missing ingredient, it's MSG, and adding it turns the humble fried chicken into a taste of heaven.

Here is my gift to you this Christmas:

'KFC' style seasoned flour mix
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Accent (MSG)

Cook the chicken pieces in milk for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool then coat the pieces in the mixture above. Fry in vegetable oil until golden. Eat and enjoy your spiritual experience.