Wednesday February 9, 2011
Whether or not you have planned a romantic dinner date for your amor this Valentine's Day, we have two words for dessert - Cava and Turrón.
Turrón is a very traditional sweet of Moorish (Arabic) origin and is very popular at Christmas. However, it is available in gourmet food stores and on the web year-round. Choose soft Jijona or turrón blando type, which is so smooth it has the consistency of peanut butter, or the hard Alicante - turrón duro, which is a thick almond nougat candy. Both types are delicious and go well with cava. In fact, there are many different flavors of turrón including chocolate and praline.
Spain produces many fine sparkling wines, called cava after the cellars in which the wine is produced. Cava is made in the "méthode champenoise" or "Champagne method," which is the same method that is used to make Champagne. (Only wines made in the Champagne region of France may be called Champagne.) This Valentine's Day, offer up a bottle of Spanish cava and impress your sweetheart... especially if you pick a bottled like the one pictured here (Segura Viudas brand).
Photo © Lisa Sierra, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Free Newsletter:
Get the Spanish Food Newsletter
Become a fan of Spanish Food on Facebook
Traditional Spanish Comfort Food, Arroz con Pollo
Tuesday February 8, 2011
Arroz con Pollo is a popular dish in Spain and all over Latin America. Like most traditional dishes, every family has their version, and "mom's is the best!" Our recipe for Arroz con Pollo is a basic one, and is a variation from Eugenia, Tony's mother. Sometimes we prepare it "wet" or caldoso - meaning it has lots of broth, while other times, we make it drier. The other day, we had lots of small yellow peppers on hand, so we used mostly those instead of red peppers (see photo). The great thing about cooking at home is that you can be creative and experiment.
Photo © Lisa Sierra, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Free Newsletter:
Get the Spanish Food Newsletter
Become a fan of Spanish Food on Facebook
Spanish Churros for Your Valentine
Monday February 7, 2011
What we're about to suggest is NOT the traditional box of chocolates. We dare you to "think outside the box" this Valentines Day. Surprise your sweetie by making warm Spanish churros, sprinkled with sugar on top. They are quick and easy to make - for dessert or for breakfast. Crispy and ridged Churros are perfect to dip in a cup of thick, Spanish hot chocolate. Don't worry if you've never made them, we have a new, easy-to-follow video recipe or a step-by-step photo recipe.
Photo © Lisa Sierra, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Free Newsletter:
Get the Spanish Food Newsletter
Become a fan of Spanish Food on Facebook
Easy Spanish Barbecued Pork Ribs, Perfect for a Family Barbecue or Super Bowl Sunday
Sunday February 6, 2011
The Spanish are better known for pork dishes, such as Roast Suckling Pig aka Cochinillo Asado, or Pinchos Morunos (pork kabob tapas). However, the Spanish prepare pork every way imaginable, and they are all tasty - this recipe included! Press some garlic cloves, prepare a simple rub with Spanish paprika and oregano, then let the baby back ribs marinate. Grill for an hour and serve. Whether it's Super Bowl Sunday or a family barbecue, there won't be leftovers.
Photo © Lisa Sierra, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Free Newsletter:
Get the Spanish Food Newsletter
Become a fan of Spanish Food on Facebook
