Five Things to See in Barcelona
Filed Under Destination Features, Travel Tips Spain
This week we'll be exploring some of our favorite things about Spain and Portugal, two of our favorite European destinations for a cooking vacation. Probably the most popular place to visit in Spain among our travelers is Barcelona. Even those culinary adventurers happy to spend a week in Andalusian Olive Country, or up in the Basque Country, will frequently stop to spend a few days in Barcelona. It is also… Read
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All About Charcuterie
Filed Under Food History, Travel Tips France, Italy, Spain
Chances are you've enjoyed your share of charcuterie, whether you called it as such or not. While the word is French and dates back to the Middle Ages and the 15th century, countries all over the world -- Europe and beyond -- have their own version of charcuterie. Cold cuts, salumi, cured meats… you get the idea. No matter what you call it, platters of these delicious meats -- often… Read
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Chestnuts and Mushroom Cream Recipe from Spain
Filed Under Kitchen Tips, Recipes, Special Occasions Spain
Chestnuts abound during the holiday season. In fact, tour the Christmas markets -- particularly around the Mediterranean -- and chances are you'll see more than one vendor roasting chestnuts and doling them out. These nuts are high in nutrients, including loads of fiber, but they also are a bit sweet after they've been roasted. (Raw, they have a bitter taste). But roasted chestnuts aren't the only way to enjoy this… Read
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Spanish Tapas Recipe for Tortilla Española
Filed Under Destination Features, Kitchen Tips, Recipes Spain
To finish up our week-long look at Spanish tapas, we're featuring one of the most famous tapa of all, tortilla española! This wonderful mix of eggs, onions, and potatoes can be served hot or room temperature, cut into small squares or into larger entree-sized pieces. Serve it with a salad and you have a meal, or on a toothpick for a stand-up snack! The recipe comes to us from our… Read
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Salmorejo (Chilled Tomato Soup) Recipe from our Andalusia Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Destination Features, Food History, Recipes Spain
Olive oil has many uses in cooking, both as a seasoning and as an ingredient. Knowing that, the kind of oil you're using can make a big difference in the flavor of a dish. No one knows that better than Chef Clive of our popular Cooking in Andalusian Olive Country culinary vacation in Spain. Both olives and olive oil have an important place in the gastronomy of the region, which… Read
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Cider Making in Europe
Filed Under Food History, Wines & Spirits France, Spain
It's apple season in many parts of the world, and that means cider! No, we don't mean American apple cider, which is simply unfiltered apple juice. We mean that wonderful alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. In the U.S. cider (or "hard cider") is ever gaining in popularity, but in Europe it was been a staple for centuries, particularly in Great Britain, northern France, the Spanish Basque country, and… Read
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