Your Spanish Recipes

Croquetas Day!

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:48:00 +0000

We may all know that Croquettes come from France, but you may don´t know how old the recipe is. In 1691 Francois Massialot published Le cuisinier roial et bourgeois. More than 10 croquette recipes are available in the book, always recommended as an starter.

LE CUISINER ROIAL ET BOURGEOIS, 1691

However the recipe was very different to the one we use these days. In 1691 croquettes were made of meat, eggs and herbs, then covered with egg and bread crumbs.

Since then we can find many different recipes of croquettes in Europe, mostly all cruncky balls were called that way. In 17th century bechamel was still not invented. Was in 1733 when the chef Vincent la Chapelle wrote a sauce recipe that was a mix of butter, herbs, flour and milk, and it was named bechamel because of Louis de Béchameil (1630-1703).

The bechamel became very popular in the 18th century, and then frech chefs started using that sauce to make croquettes.

SPANISH CROQUETAS

In 1812 Spanish chefs offered croquetas to the british troops in Spain, they came to help us to get rid off Napoleon, but unfortunatelly we don´t have the recipe.

Since then croquetas (already in Spanish) became more and more popular. From the 19th century we can find Spanish croquetas recipes with chicken, rabbit, lamb, lobster, salmon, etc. Some recipes explain how to cook croquettes made as meatballs, other recipes already include bechamel.

In those days Cocido stew was already very popular in Spain, so the most popular recipes have always been the ones using the meat from the stew. This way we created Croquetas de Jamón, one of the most popular recipes in Spain.

French croquette are big and with cork size. Spanish croquetas are just Tapas size, creamy and full of Spanish taste.

Today all around Spain you can get croquetas as Tapas. Hope you´ll enjoy!

Love Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 13:07:00 +0000

According to Robert Sternberg, love is composed by 3 ingredients: intimacy, commitment and passion.
The combination of those 3 ingredients could make 7 recipes of love.

Spain Wine Map

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 14:09:00 +0000

June 16th_ International Tapas Day

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:32:00 +0000

In 2010 tapas were acknowledged internationally when UNESCO declared it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Tapas are considered healthy food, also conservation of traditional and artisanal activities. Many different civilations were established in Spain for centuries, and tapas are just a bit of all those gastronomical years.

Since 2011 few Spanish gastronimical associations are celebrating the International Tapas Day. Every year more and more countries are joining us. "Going for tapas" is our hallmark. Everywhere in Spain: big cities, small town, bars in from of the sea... you´ll find Tapas everywhere!

If you are travelling around Spain these days, you´ll find all tapas route available these days. www.diamundialdelatapa.es

If you just feel like celebrating International Tapas Day at home, I´d like to help you with that. Check out some easy recipes and enjoy your meal!

100 TAPAS

Tapas History

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:25:00 +0000

Some people do believe that tapas started in Andalusian taverns (southern province of Spain). The word "tapa" can be translated as "cover". This was a practical measure meant to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry (see below for more explanations).Tapas traditionally have been a complementary piece of sliced ham served on top of a glass of wine, however we know them today as small portions of food typically served as a snack before lunch or dinner. Tapas can be as simple as a bowl of olives or slices of Serrano ham.

Others believe that the tapa was born when the Spanish king Alfonso the 10th was ill. The Wise had to take small bites of food with some wine between meals. Once recovered from the disease, the wise king decreed that no wine was to be served in any of the inns in the land of Castile, unless accompanied by something to eat. This was a wise precaution to counteract the adverse effects of alcohol on those people who, through lack of money to buy a nourishing meal drank alcohol on an empty stomach. Apart from the story of the royal disease we should consider the theory that the tapa first appeared because of the need of farmers and workers of other unions to take a small amount of food during their working time, which allowed them to carry on working until time for the main meal. This main meal, rich in fat, was so heavy to digest that a "siesta" had to be taken for a couple of hours before going back to the fields or to the workshop. Longer working hours in the morning meant an easier workload after the meal.

Another popular explanation says that King Alfonso XIII stopped by a famous tavern in Cádiz (Andalusian city) where he ordered a cup of wine. The waiter covered the glass with a slice of cured ham before offering it to the king, to protect the wine from the beach sand, as Cádiz is a windy place. The king, after drinking the wine and eating the tapa, ordered another wine "with the cover"

______________________

Wine was the natural accompaniment to this snack, as it induced a mellow mood and increased strength, while in winter it warmed the body as protection against very cold days in the fields and in the workshops of the Middle Ages. In summer, the drink taken in the South was "gazpacho" (cold tomato soup), instead of wine, which increased body heat rather than providing the necessary cold refreshment.

The snack is called "alifara" in northern Spain , Aragón and Navarra; and later, in the Vasque Country, it began to be called "poteo", because the wine had to be drunk in "potes" (jars).

Once the "botillerias" (bottle-shops) and "tabernas" (taverns) became established throughout Spain , the wise King’s decree remained in place. For that reason, the glass or jar of wine was served covered with a slice of either smoked ham or cheese, for two.

5 Tips for ordering wine

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:01:00 +0000

1 - ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU HAVE

You have no idea of what is the best wine for your meal? You don´t know how to pronounce the name of the wine "Ribera del Duero"? Ask the waiter or sommelier, they´ll be happy to share their knoledge with you. This way you´ll be learning from them.

2 - SET THE RULES

Best wines will not be the most expensives (trust me, I´ve tried most of them). Don´t be afraid to set you price range. If you don´t want to talk about € / $ / £ you can point something on the menu and ask for a similar bottle.

3 - KEEP IT SIMPLE

In wine producer countries like Spain, we talk about wine in the same way as food: "I´d like something with strong flavour, powerful smell and no sweet please. Or maybe fruity and savory."

4 - FOOD FIRST

There are so many options of wine, so always best to choose the food first. Once you made your choice, think of what kinds of flavours would go best with your meal.

5 - TRUST YOURSELF

Every person is unique, so don´t trust others more than yourself. If you hear that the wine is having "ripe berries" and that sounds interesting to you, order that wine. It is all about enjoying and testing.

Do you have important guests tonight?

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 15:44:00 +0000

Three Wise Men day (6th January)

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 23:16:00 +0000

In Spain are the Three Wise Men who deliver children Christmas gifts the night of the 5th of January. On January 6th is bank holiday for kids to play with the toys. It is also happening in Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia and Venezuela.

¿How do we invite them inside our homes in Spain?
Every year we leave our shoes next to the window, next to water and sweets for the 3 Wise Men. Also some water for the camels. The next morning we enjoy the breakfast with an special cake. Here you´ll find the 3 Wise Men Cake recipe.

Lately cityhalls around Spain do arrange huge Wise Men cakes, as you can see in the pictures. It looks tasty isn´t it?

Spanish traditions that will bring you luck

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 11:26:00 +0000

New Year's Eve is a magical night for Spanish people, as for many others around the globe. We have our own traditions that will help us to get our wishes for the next year.

We start lighting a candel, this will help you making the new year prosperous and positive. You can light a:
- Green candle for good health
- Yellow will help your financial troubles.
- Orange candles are providing wisdom.
- Blue candles will bring you peace.
- Red will bring you love and passion.

Burning the past

We are looking forward that new dreams and goals come to gladden the new year, but we need to make sure that all the bad stuff to stay away.

Before midnight Spanish people will write what we'd like to forget from the previous year. Then with a white candle flame we´ll burn the paper, so we watch our past troubles to go away. Once you've left the past in ashes, you'll be ready to take on the new year.

Right Foot

We like to start the new year with the right foot, literally. Make sure that your right foot is firmly planted on the ground during the bell tolls for good luck in the new year.

12 New Months, 12 Wishes, 12 Grapes

In Spain & in other South American countries we eat 12 grapes at midnight. You have to eat 1 grape each time the bell tolls. Each grape will bring you luck for each month of the New Year.

We normally go to the city hall or church plazas with our friends and families. The most famous place in Spain is Plaza del Sol (Madrid). Every year all the spanish TV´s will show the bell tolls from there.

Do you want to know where the tradition is coming from? Check out here.

Drink a lucky toast

If you also need financial luck in the new year, you just have to take a gold jewel (a ring for example) and drop it in the drink you plan on toasting with after the bell tolls.

Happy New Year!

Día de la Hispanidad (Columbus day) in Mar Menor

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 15:05:00 +0000

The cauldron rice is a typical main course in Cartagena (south-east of Spain). The city did have the main port of the Mediterranean sea at the Roman times. Near to the city we find the Mar Menor (or little sea), where the local citizens also have had sailor tradition since over 4000 years ago.

Every October 12, people from the area go to the beach to celebrate Columbus day, as traditionally local fishers did.

The cauldron rice was cooked by fishers using rockfish and little fishes. The intense flavor & the long tradition made this course as a gourmet main course in the south of Spain. For this reason some years ago the citizens next to the Mar Menor decided to commemorate their traditional cauldron rice from sailors. Most likely also Columbus enjoyed cauldron rice while visiting the important port of Cartagena in 1492.

Día de la Hispanidad (Columbus day) in Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 08:39:00 +0000

Felipe VI with his family October 12, 2015

Spain is celebrating Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day or Columbus Day) every October 12 with a national party. Christopher Columbus landed on the island today called Bahamas in the Caribbean October 12, 1492.The anniversary of this date is marked as Hispanic Day in Spain. This way spanish people commemorate that 1st set foot in the Americas. This is been happening since 1987.

Similar events in Spanish speaker countries also commemorate Christopher Columbus trip:
Discovery Day in the Bahamas, Day of the Cultures in Costa Rica, Day of the Race in Argentina, Chile and Mexico and the Day of Indigenous Resistance in Venezuela. Also the second Monday of October is Columbus Day in the United States.

In Spain is also celebrated as the day of the Armed Forces. For this reason the King of Spain (Felipe VI) & his family attend in Madrid to the military show, as General Captain of the Armed Forces. October 12, 2015 as every year the King of Spain (Felipe VI) rose the Spanish Flag in Madrid. The flag raising ceremony was followed by a military parade which showcases the country's weapons and artillery. An air show also takes place with the armed forces performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air.

10 + 1 reasons to drink wine

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 14:01:00 +0000

Strengthens bones

According to a study from Tufts University in Boston (USA) women who drink red or white wine are less likely to lose bone density than women who do not drink.

Reduce Heart Risk

A study from Harvard University (USA.) Found that those who consume wine in moderation are 30% less likely to suffer a heart attack.

Antibacterial

Both red wine and white wine have antibacterial properties. This was highlighted by the study conducted by the expert Martin E. Weisse of West Virginia University (USA), which shows that the wine has the capability to reduce bacteria in food, protecting the human body.

Prevent Blindness

Red wine can stop the growth of blood vessels out of control in the eye (angiogenesis) that causes blindness, according to a study by a team of researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis (USA ). Again is resveratrol, the compound may be in the wine, which protects vision.

Against depression

According to a study of scientists in Spanish universities, drinking wine can reduce the risk of depression. The experiment was conducted with 2,683 men and 2,822 women (55 to 80 years old, over 7 years). They found that in both cases, those drinking 6 or 7 glasses of wine per week were less likely to be diagnosed with depression (even taking into account lifestyle factors).

Lowers cholesterol

Studies have proven that a glass of red wine a day decreases the concentration of atherogenic plaques in the arteries and increases levels of HDL or good cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health.

Decreases the chances of colon cancer

Scientists at the University of Leicester (UK) explained that moderate consumption of red wine on a regular basis can reduce the rate of intestinal tumors by approximately 50%.

It helps prevent dementia

A team of scientists from Loyola University Medical Center (USA) analyzed data from academic studies on red wine from 1977 until today. The studies showed a significantly lower risk of dementia on regular and moderate drinkers of red wine in 14 different countries. Resveratrol reduces the stickiness of platelets in the blood, which helps keep blood vessels open and flexible (no clots), which helps to maintain good blood supply to the brain.

Rich in minerals

Wine provides minerals such as: lithium (balancing the nervous system), magnesium (reduces stress), zinc (improves the immune system), potassium and calcium (ionic and electrical balance).

Slows aging

Consuming a glass of wine a day helps to delay the aging process due to its vasodilatory properties that fight oxidation of cells. It is also recommended for memory.

Prevents Breast Cancer

Drinking any kind of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. However, consumption of red wine has the opposite effect, as concluded a study of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles (USA). The reason is that the chemicals in the skin and seeds of red grapes reduce estrogen levels and increase testosterone levels, resulting in a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Food recommended for cartilage regeneration

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:56:00 +0000

Consuming foods rich in vitamins is essential for the formation and renewal of our cartilage. (hip, knee, etc.) The consumption of vitamins will help us to extend the life and the resistance of our cartilage.

Vitamin C is crucial for the body to stimulate collagen production, which is extremely important in building healthy ligaments and tendons. The optimum daily amount is 75 milligrams.

Vitamin C is in onions, peppers, potatoes, lettuce.

Also in fruits such as oranges, tangerines, grapes, citrus fruits, berries, and their juices.

This diet based on fruits and vegetables will also reduce the accumulation of uric acid in the joints.

Vitamin D is available in milk, bread, cereals and fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and oysters.

Sunlight and vitamin D contributes directly to improve joint mobility.

Gelatin is a natural home remedy that will help you to regenerate cartilage and other joints.

Gelatin is a rich source of collagen, a substance involved in our bones, tendons and cartilage construction. It also contains 10 essential amino acids, but no fat or cholesterol.

The optimum amount of gelatin is 10 grams per day. Regular consumption can lead to a complete elimination of symptoms of osteoarthritis.

How to fill up a glass of wine

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:04:00 +0000

5 reasons to use more olive oil (and none of those are to lose weight)

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:21:00 +0000

1. Reverse the metabolic syndrome

It is considered one of the vestibules of type 2 diabetes. According to experts, add nuts and olive oil in the diet decreases abdominal obesity and blood glucose levels.

2. Boost good cholesterol

Olive oil do have high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, so it has protective effects against diseases associated to oxidative stress (cancer, cardiovascular & neurodegenerative diseases) Recent reseach (EUROLIVE) discovered that olive oil contains polyphenols, which result in a higher level of HDL (Good cholesterol)

3. Prevents stomach problems

Olive oil forms a film around the stomach and is very useful to prevent ulcers. Extra virgin olive oil will help you healing ulcers as it contents liposoluble vitamins E and A.

4. Ally against breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Granada and Malaga have used olive oil to fight cancer cells growing in the breast.

5. Moisturize skin

It is one of the best known skin moisturizers. Although we should also add a high consumption of water.

Olive oil will moisturize the skin deeply, soften, protect from premature aging and aggressions from the sun.

Main parts of a Jamón

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:22:00 +0000

Jamón anatomy

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Perfect jamón slice

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 09:18:00 +0000

The prefect slice will have the width of the piece of Jamón and will not be longer than 5 cm.

It will be very thin, almost transparent, so that it melts in the mouth. Once cut to place the slices on a plate but in a single layer, slightly overlapping.

Gambas al ajillo (Prawns with garlic)

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 08:55:00 +0000

1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4-5 garlic cloves, minced or sliced
1-2 dry red chillies
500 gr./1 lbs prawns, peeled and deveined
salt
fresh ground pepper
4 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped

Usually served as a Tapa, is so delicious it can be made as a main course!

In a pan or earthenware dish, warm the Olive Oil , add the garlic and sliced chillies.

When garlic starts to change colour, add the shrimps, and sauté quickly for about 2-3 minutes(until shrimps change colour), add salt and groud pepper, and sprinkle the parsley and serve at once in a warmed serving dish.

If you wish, you can add lemon juice and paprika at the same time as the salt.

WARNINGS:

If you use frozen shrimps, you have to make sure they are dry when you add them to the pan.

Sauteed Guanche rice (Arroz salteado Guanche)

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:14:00 +0000

300g long grain rice
2 bananas
1 chicken breast
1 red onion
1 small yellow pepper
8 cherry tomatoes
30 gr / 1 tea cup raisins
Chive
Clove
1 Star anise
Olive oil
Pepper
Salt

Cook the rice in a saucepan with water and salt. (15 - 20 minutes)

Meanwhile we cut the banana into slices. Sauté the slices in a pan and set aside.

Cut the chicken cubes and fry in a pan with a little bit olive oil. When half-cooked, add the red onion cut into strips & the diced peppers. After few minutes add raisins, cherry tomatoes, cloves and anise. Add also clove to taster and a star anise.

When rice is cooked, drain well and add to the pan with the other ingredients. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Once on the plate, add the bananas and chopped chives.

Sangría con almíbar (Syrup Sangaree)

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 13:55:00 +0000

Ingredients (6 people)

1 liter / 2 pt red wine
2 peaches
2 oranges
1 lemon
2 bananas
1 apple
75 ml./2.60 fl. oz water
3 heaping tablespoons sugar
1 cinnamon stick
30 ml/1.20 fl. oz orange or lemon soda

Sangría is one the most popular and really refreshing summer drink, to enjoy with friends and family

Make a syrup with the sugar and water, heating until sugar dissolves, let cool.

Peel and cut the peaches, oranges, bananas, & apple in small pieces. Cut the lemon in 4 big pieces. Add the wine, syrup and cinnamon stick.

Marinate for 2 or 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Pour into a jar, add orange or lemon soda, ice if needed, and serve very cold.

The real history of La Tomatina (Buñol - Valencia)

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 13:24:00 +0000

Since long ago the people in Buñol have been celebrating their local party end of August.

It was in 1945 when a young group of boys decided to walk with the musicians in the town square of Buñol. Having fun the boys made one of the participants to fall. The man was very angry and was hitting everybody on his way. Luckily for us there was a vegetable stand, so the crowd started to fight with tomatoes against the man. The police was ending the tomatoes battle.

In 1946 a group of young people repeated the battle with few buckets of tomatoes.They made history that day, even against the police of those days.

In the early 50s the battle was banned, but people from Buñol managed the government to allow it again. However in 1957 the government tried to ban the tomatina again. What did they do?? Citizens from Buñol set a huge tomato into a coffin, and accompanied by music band they marched all around the city. After that La Tomatina became a festival, and it is been allowed as official festivity since then.

In 2002, La Tomatina of Buñol was declared Festivity of International Tourist Interest by the Secretary Deparment of Tourism.

Every year there are more and more participants. Since 2013 tickets are available to assure the security of the attendants.

Tapas & Wine design

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 10:06:00 +0000

Burnt or Catalan Cream (Crema Quemada o Catalana)

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:47:00 +0000

1 liter and half of whole milk
A cinnamon stick
The peel of a lemon and an orange
A pinch of Vanilla
10 egg yolks
250 g sugar (cream) + 150 g of sugar (to burn)
120 g of cornstarch

Place the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, when it begins to boil down the temperature and add the cinnamon stick, vanilla, orange peel and lemon (better without much white because it sour milk). Cook over low heat 5 minutes.

Separate the whites from the yolks. Vigorously mix the egg yolks and the 250g of sugar in a bowl until foamy. Then add the cornstarch. If necessary add a little bit hot milk from the saucepan, to help the flour to get mixed with the yolks and the sugar. Beat everything very well.

Strain the contents of the saucepan through a strainer to filter the milk. Keep it in another saucepan.

Heat the filtered milk over low heat, and add the mixture with the yolks, sugar and cornstarch. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or a whisk to avoid making lumps. Be careful not to boil.

When the mixture begins to thicken remove from heat and continue stiring for another minute. Note that although the cream is a little liquid, it will thicker as it cools.

Fill the bowls and let stand 1/2 hour and then keep in the fridge for 2-3 hours.

________

Before serving we burn the surface of the cream. Take a teaspoon of sugar on top of cream and burn a kitchen torch.

How long wine can remain open?

noreply@blogger.com (yourspanishrecipes) — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:33:00 +0000