The Three Wise Men tradition | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 01:00
The Three Wise Men tradition The Three Wise Men tradition

On January 6th Spain celebrates the Epiphany, a national holiday that is traditionally known as día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day). Parades, presents and, above all, kids' enthusiasm are the protagonists of this day. Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar put an end to the holiday season every year, making the dreams of children all around the world come true.

We invite you to discover one of the most beloved traditions in Spain and many countries in Latin America. Continue reading this post in English or click here to switch to Spanish and learn more about it.

The celebration

The Three Wise Men celebrations actually start some weeks before January 6th. From the beginning of the holiday season, children think about the presents they would like to receive and write their letters to the Magicians. In them, kids explain how they have behaved throughout the year and list a number of gifts they would gladly accept.

Once the letter is sent, we can only wait eagerly. On January 5th, the Three Wise Men arrive from the East and take the streets to say hello. In the parade, several carriages with special decorations tour around the cities carrying Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar. Each king has his own group of pageboys, and all of them throw candies to the parade attendees.

In the early hours of January 6th, while the children are asleep, the Three Wise Men visit each house. They leave their presents under the Christmas tree when no one is watching and then continue with their magical journey. If kids have behaved well, they will enjoy their new toys when they wake up. If, on the contrary, their conduct has not been that good, they will find charcoal instead.

Three Wise Men traditions

Besides writing a letter and attending the parade, there are other typical traditions that take place around these days. Let’s discover some of them.

One of the most exciting moments on January 5th is preparing food and drinks for the Magi and their animals. Before going to sleep, kids leave some sweets and water in the living room so that Melchor, Gaspar, Balthasar, and their camels can have a break after their long journey.

Another thing to get ready before going to bed is placing the shoes under the Christmas tree. Each member of the family leaves a shoe there, so that the Wise Men can tell which present is for each of them.

The most typical food these days is the Kings' cake or roscón de reyes. It is a sweet dough which is decorated with candied fruit, like a royal crown. It can be stuffed with whipped cream and it has two hidden treasures inside: a figurine and a bean. Whoever finds the figurine will earn the crown that comes with the cake. However, if you find the bean in your portion, you have to pay for the cake.

The celebration’s history

This festivity finds its origin in the New Testament of the Bible, where it is written that the Magi from the East traveled all night and took three presents to baby Jesus. Guided by a star, they gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Through history, this tradition has been modified with new details about its protagonists. For example, at some point they were interpreted as representatives of each continent of the Old World: Europe, Asia, and Africa.

We wish you a happy Epiphany Day!

Spain The Three Wise Men tradition in Spain. Learn all about this Spanish tradition. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Patricia Mendez

Spanish Ham Croquettes

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/29/2018 - 01:00
Spanish Ham Croquettes Spanish Ham Croquettes

Have you ever tried the famous Spanish ham croquettes?

Why not make them yourself?

Read this article in Spanish

Today, we’re going to put on our aprons and start cooking!

First, we’ll need to get the ingredients together:

To make the croquettes

  • 200 g Serrano ham (Spanish cured ham or jamón)
  • 1 onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 100 g flour
  • 100 ml olive oil (or 100 g butter)
  • 1 L warm milk

To batter and fry them

  • Flour
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil

Is everything ready?

Before we begin, I’ll tell you that in Spain we usually use olive oil to coat the pan, but if you can’t find any or prefer not to use it, you can use butter as a substitute.

Let’s get to work!

We’ll start by making the croquette dough.

Mince the onion and garlic and cut the Serrano ham into small pieces. Heat the oil (or melt the butter) in a frying pan and add the onion and garlic. Cook until golden, then add the Serrano ham.

After a few minutes have passed and the ham takes on the flavor of the onion and garlic, add all the flour and sauté everything together. Be careful! It’s easy for the flour to burn, so you’ll have to stir the mixture constantly to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Shortly after you add the flour, slowly and gradually pour the warm milk into the pan. Keep stirring! It’s very important to stir constantly as you add the milk to prevent lumps from forming. Once you’ve added all the milk, let the mixture cook until it forms a thick paste (keep stirring this whole time!).

When the dough is ready, transfer it to a flat dish and let it cool.

(If you want your croquettes to come out as good as a Spanish grandmother’s, spread a bit of olive oil over the surface of the dough, just to prevent a crust from forming.)

When the dough is cool enough to handle, cut it into pieces and roll them into even-sized log shapes.

Once you’ve made all the croquettes, prepare a plate with flour, a bowl with the beaten eggs, and a plate with breadcrumbs.

Roll each croquette in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs (in that order), then fry them in hot oil.

When the croquettes are golden brown, take them out of the frying pan and…it’s time to eat!

Hats off to the chef! 

Spain Spain Spanish Ham Croquettes Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Vanessa Johnson

Take the Spanish tortilla out for a spin! | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/22/2018 - 01:00
Take the Spanish tortilla out for a spin! Take the Spanish tortilla out for a spin!

What’s the most typical Spanish food?

Tortilla de patatas!

Today we’re sharing a recipe to help you bring Spanish flavors to your table. So get ready, step into the kitchen, and…it’s tortilla time!

Read this article in Spanish

Before we begin, let’s run through the ingredients we’re going to need:

  • 700 g (about 25 oz) potatoes
  • 1 medium onion
  • 6 medium/large eggs
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

 

Now that we have the ingredients handy, we can get started.

First, peel and wash the onion and potatoes. Dice the onion and cut the potatoes into thin slices.

When you’ve got that ready, pour a thick layer of oil into a frying pan and heat it up on the stove. Once the oil is hot, turn the heat down to low and fry the potatoes with a bit of salt. This way they will get cooked all the way through without burning. Be patient, this may take 25-30 minutes, depending on how thick you cut the potato slices.

Before the potatoes are done, when they’re just starting to turn golden, add the onion to the frying pan. That way you can cook everything at the same time without burning the onion.

After you add the onion and everything is frying, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt, and beat the eggs.

When the potatoes and onion are done frying, take them out of the oil, let the excess oil drain off, and add them to the bowl with the eggs, along with a bit more salt.

Mix everything together and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to give the potatoes time to absorb the eggs.

Meanwhile, prepare a frying pan to continue with the second part of the tortilla making process. You can use the same pan as before, just pour out almost all of the olive oil. If you prefer, you can use a clean frying pan and add a tablespoon of oil, moving the pan around so the bottom is completely coated.

Put the frying pan on low heat and pour in the mixture of eggs, potatoes, and onion.

Little by little, you’ll see the egg start to cook and the tortilla will begin to take shape. Make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan by using a spatula around the edges and base of the tortilla. It will probably start sticking to the pan.

Before the egg cooks completely, put a large, flat plate (big enough to cover all or almost all of the frying pan) over the tortilla and flip the pan upside down with the plate underneath. Lift the frying pan off the plate and put it back on the stove, then slide the tortilla (cooked-side up) off the plate and into the frying pan to let the other side cook a few more minutes.

When the tortilla is as cooked or as runny as you like it, turn off the burner and flip the tortilla out of the frying pan once more.

Your tortilla de patatas is ready!

 

 

Culture Traditions Spain The most typical Spanish dish: tortilla de patata. Learn here all about the Spanish dish tortilla de patata. Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Vanessa Johnson

9 Spanish Customs You Should Know Before You Go | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 02:00
9 Spanish Customs You Should Know Before You Go 9 Spanish Customs You Should Know Before You Go

Everybody is well aware that each household has its own customs.

When we visit a friend or family member in their home, things usually aren’t exactly as we’d like them; there tend to be things we’d do differently. This is also true on a bigger scale: even when cities are close together, they often have different customs or traditions because of each city’s history and the events that have happened there.

If customs change from home to home and city to city, imagine the differences between countries!

Read this article in Spanish

There’s an expression in Spanish that says, “Allá donde fueras, haz lo que vieras” (Wherever you go, do what you see). In English we have a similar saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In both cases, the idea is that when you travel somewhere, you should follow the customs of the people who live there.

With this in mind, today we’re going to talk about some of the most widespread customs in Spain. They may seem a bit strange to you when you arrive, but don’t worry — they’re easy to get used to.

1. We’re used to sunny weather

If there’s one thing visitors notice when they come to Spain, it’s all the hours of sunshine we have each day. We’re so used to it that we find it very strange if it rains for more than two or three days in a row and we don’t get to see the sun, or if we have a whole week of cloudy skies in winter.

Enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget your sunscreen!

2. We put blinds on every window

Thanks to all that sun, almost every Spanish home has persianas or Persian blinds.

A Persian blind is a set of horizontal slates linked together by a cord. This cord is placed inside the room and can be used to raise or lower the window blinds to our liking. This way we can control how much sunlight comes in. We’ll often lower the blinds before we go to bed so we don’t get woken up by the bright light when the sun comes up, or in the summertime to keep the heat out, especially around midday.

 

3. For hellos and goodbyes, a kiss on each cheek

In Spain, men usually greet other men with a handshake and women with two kisses, one on each cheek. Women, on the other hand, greet both men and other women with two kisses (except in very formal settings, in which they may greet someone with a handshake).

Between close friends and families, it’s also common for men to say hello and goodbye with cheek kissing. It’s such a deeply rooted custom that nobody thinks twice about kissing someone on both cheeks.

4. We get up early and stay up late

Yes, we know. In Spain we do most things later than usual. Our lunchtime is between 2 and 3 p.m., but it’s not at all uncommon for lunch to last until 4 p.m. We generally meet for dinner around 9 p.m., but the meal often doesn’t start until even later.

So, when you get to Spain, stop looking at your watch and worrying about the time. Remember, when you follow our schedule, you’ll be able to enjoy every last hour of sunshine!

5. The (famous) siesta

Since meals in Spain are usually abundant and long-lasting, sometimes it’s almost necessary to take a break so you can digest your food and rest for a little while. Even so, we’ve got to tell you something. Siestas (naps) aren’t as common as people outside of Spain might think.

With how busy life is these days, what with long work days and lots of daily activities, it’s very hard to find time to take a nap. On weekends, however, it’s a bit easier for everyone.

6. No, we’re not shouting

Spaniards often notice that when we travel to other countries, we recognize our compatriots by their slightly louder tone of voice. In Spain we’re used to it, but tourists and new arrivals are sometimes bothered by what they consider to be loud conversations.

Even if it seems like we’re speaking loudly or even shouting, it’s not because we’re angry or because people can’t hear us. Furthermore, when we use public transportation, even though we often speak with the person or group of people we’re traveling with, we do try to keep the volume down.

7. We don’t take our shoes off at the door

For Spaniards, it’s not a sign of disrespect to keep our shoes on when we enter someone’s home, whether they’re visiting us or we’re visiting them. The most we’ll do is wipe the bottom of our shoes on the welcome mat in front of the door before we go in.

However, when we arrive at our own home, we take off our shoes and change into slippers. We might even change into more comfortable clothes. But there’s no general rule about taking your shoes off in other people’s homes.

 

8. Punctuality… Spanish style

Although we don’t usually admit it, Spaniards know that we arrive late to most places. If there’s an important work meeting or a formal event, we make sure to be punctual… but there’s always someone who gets distracted and doesn’t make it on time. And if you’re casually meeting up with friends or family, you can be sure you’ll have to wait for at least one person.

Here’s a piece of advice. If someone tells you they’ll be there in 5 minutes, it’ll probably be more like 15 or 20.

 

9. Bread with every meal

A Spanish meal without bread is like a paella without rice — unthinkable!

Bread is good for pushing your food onto your fork or spoon; it’s great for picking up food and delivering it straight to your mouth; you can use it to clean your plate, to make breakfast, snacks, dinners, or whatever you want! You can eat it at home or take it on the go, eat it with meat, fish, or salad… Spaniards sometimes get offended when a restaurant charges extra for bread. It’s so ingrained in our culture that we assume it’s included in the price.

 

Now you know some of Spain’s most notable customs. It’s just a little heads-up so you’ll be more prepared and know what to expect when you come to Spain to learn Spanish.

Enjoy our customs!

 

Spain 9 Spanish Customs You Should Know Before You Go Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Vanessa Johnson

Spain is different | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 02:00
Spain is different To truly learn about a new culture, you should shed any judgments you might have. Today we are going to take a walk by the most typical customs of Spain. Spain is different

Everyone knows that life and customs change a lot in each city or in each country. It is common to think what is normal at home can be abnormal to someone else. To truly learn about a new culture, you should shed any prior bias or judgments you might have. Today we are going to take a walk by the most typical customs of Spain so that you do not get caught by surprise.

Read the Spanish version

  • The schedules

What surprises everyone who arrives in Spain is the timetable in which locals move. Starting work at 9.00 in the morning, stop at noon to make lunch, eat at 14.30 pm and then have dinner around 21.00 at night. These are the times that not everyone can follow or adapt to it. Lastly, everyone uses the military time here so be prepared.

 

Some see this as great and others see it as terrible, this allows us to enjoy more hours of the sun ... but sleep less. Also, be careful! There are many shops and many businesses that close between 14.00 pm and 16.00 pm for lunch.

  • La Siesta

Of course, after eating, not everyone wants to start working again. Therefore, the most traditional thing is to take a half an hour (or more) nap on the sofa or in a bed.

However, this is not so typical of Spain and few people can take it to practice. The working days do not allow you to have all that time to get home, eat and take a nap. Therefore, we leave this luxury for the weekend.

  • Las tapas

Spain has bragging rights that we can eat on a terrace of a bar (or several) only paying the drink. For a waiter to come to your table with your drink and give you a plate of nuts, olives, salad, omelet or anything else, is something that can only happen here.

So, do not be scared if the waiter puts a small plate of food on the table. It wasn´t a mistake, it is for you.

  • Ser escandaloso

Surely after eating tapas at a bar, you realize that you are starting to speak in a loud tone of voice. Even when a bus or train passes the tone of your voice is used similarly. We tend to speak louder than the rest of Europe. But relax, it is not because we are angry, it is because we do not realize it.

  • El aceite de oliva

There is nothing more typical of the Mediterranean diet than using olive oil to season your salad, to cook a steak on a pan or to spread on toast. It is an oil that is used in the Spanish cuisine and that is uncommon to the rest of the world. In fact, Spain is the country that generates the most olive oil and exports it to the world.

Here are 5 of the things that surprise most people when they come to Spain. But we only put 5! There are other typical customs of the Spanish tradition that will surprise you even more, but that’s what makes Spain the perfect destination.

Spain To truly learn about a new culture, you should shed any prior bias or judgments you might have. Today we are going to take a walk by the most typical customs. spanish traditions, spanish customs Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Sara Petruzzo

Halloween also speaks Spanish | donQuijote

Submitted by admin on Mon, 10/30/2017 - 17:52
Halloween also speaks Spanish Halloween is approaching and a small controversy is flaring up: have we Spanish-speaking countries betrayed our roots by turning something as profound as All Souls' Day into something superficial? Halloween also speaks Spanish

Halloween is approaching and a small controversy is flaring up: have we Spanish-speaking countries betrayed our roots by turning something as profound as All Souls' Day into something superficial?

Let's take it one step at a time: All Souls' Day is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. In many places the 1st is a public holiday so people go out on the eve, and what better way to have fun the night before a holiday than a costume party? Besides, that doesn't mean we're being frivolous: many people who celebrate Halloween also remember their loved ones on the following days.

Controversy aside, it is curious to see how some countries have adapted Halloween to their culture. Let's give you some examples.

In México, of course, the big celebration is the Day of the Dead, but Halloween is also celebrated. It is curious to see how children have adapted trick-or-treating and go from house to house asking not for sweets, but for donations. On 31 October, costume parties are also held, but with little connection to the typical images of the Day of the Dead. The latter, as tradition dictates, is celebrated when it is due.

In Spain it is the case that, in the north of the country and especially in Galicia, a Celtic festival very similar to Halloween, called Magosto, was already celebrated between 1 and 11 November. However, in Spain they have adapted Halloween to the Spanish in an unexpected way: some families solve the "trick or treat" by giving children Christmas sweets such as nougat or marzipan. Many say this is one of the reasons why by mid-October you can already see all kinds of Christmas specialities in supermarkets.

In Argentina Halloween is celebrated as if it were carnival: parties, dances... a simple party to have a good time. For a while there was also controversy related to the adoption of a foreign custom and it was proposed that instead of monsters such as the werewolf or Dracula, American-style beings such as the Anchimalén goblin, the vampire Ehéie or the Mapuche monster Pihuchén would be the protagonists. The proposal - it's a pity - never came to fruition. What does take place every year in Buenos Aires is the Halloween Run, a night-time marathon in which people dress up in costume.

We were very surprised, we admit, to learn that Halloween was already being celebrated in Colombia in the 1960s, although it was a festival celebrated by urban high society. In the 1970s it spread to the rest of the population. By the way, in Cartagena de Indias there is an indigenous tradition reminiscent of trick-or-treating called Tintililillo: children go around the neighbourhoods singing a little song and asking for a few pesos.

In Costa Rica the celebration of Halloween has served, ironically, to revitalise a somewhat forgotten custom, that of the masquerade. It is a festivity that unites the Spanish tradition of the giants and big-heads with indigenous traditions. Such has been the strength with which the festival has returned that in 1997 it was declared by decree that 31 October should be the national day of the traditional Costa Rican masquerade.

The clash between Halloween and tradition is most evident in Peru. Since 1944, 31 October was established as the day of one of the country's best-known traditional manifestations, the "canción criolla"; however, in recent years many Peruvians have dedicated the day to Halloween festivities. There have also emerged supporters of a third way, "Criolloween", which advocates uniting the aesthetics of one and the content of the other.

Halloween has taken hold, but the traditions refuse to go away, giving rise to parties, celebrations and very curious manifestations. Something very, very interesting.

Spain Colombia Argentina Mexico Halloween also speaks Spanish. Have we Spanish-speaking countries betrayed our roots? Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Diego

Typical Candy from Salamanca: Las Obleas

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/17/2017 - 02:00
Typical Candy from Salamanca: Las Obleas Discover Salamanca by its delicious food. Obleas are a special type of waffer and a traditional candy typical to Salamanca. Typical Candy from Salamanca: Las Obleas

TYPICAL CANDY FROM SALAMANCA: LAS OBLEAS

Make your stay in Salamanca even sweeter by trying one of the city’s most typical candies! The traditional obleas are artisanal and has over three centuries of history behind it. It’s made from natural ingredients: flour, egg and sugar. Although it’s origin, like many Spanish candies, can be traced back to convents, the recipe made its way out of the monastic walls and eventually became part of a normal diet for many families. This is why today it’s common to eat them with breakfast, as dessert or guilty pleasure, or at any time of the day, along with honey, soft cheese, marmalade, chocolate or ice cream.

The creation of obleas is a common topic of conversation in Salamanca thanks to a traditional and family-run company, “Pan de Ángel”, better known as Obleas de Cipérez. The name is derived from a little town, located in the natural park Arribes del Duero, where the family of Fabian Martin has been kneading and baking this special pastry of just 10 grams and 20 centimeters in diameter for over 160 years.

Its design has barely changed since the great-grandfather of the current owner Fabian Martin began his business selling and baking obleas. He and his wife had traveled all around the province of Salamanca, from village to village selling obleas that were even more artisanal than they are now. Back then, they used a cast iron mold, which Fabian Martin still has saved as a memento. Nowadays the process has been automated.

They are excellent gifts to bring back after your stay in Salamanca, especially the candies that are decorated with silhouettes of monuments, such as the two Cathedrals or the iconic Botón Charro symbol.  And, of course, they also have the Martin family name printed on them and the village where they created this delicious product. Take advantage of your stay in Salamanca to discover the obleas, try all of its combinations and discover your favorite – make it a sweet reminder of your stay!

 

Spain Discover Salamanca by its delicious food. Obleas are a special type of waffer and a traditional candy typical to Salamanca. dessert, foodie, learn spanish in salamanca, spain, aprender español, Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> suzanne.pope

Spanish churros | Churros con chocolate: ingredients and origin

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 02:00
Spanish churros Spanish churros. Do you hear about the traditional churros con chocolate? Eating churros with or without melted chocolate is a real tradition in Spain. Spanish Churros

They are eaten for breakfast, as a daily snack and sometimes even after a party. We are talking about the crunchy fried flour stalks dipped in melted chocolate, or Spanish churros.

This Spanish delicacy is composed only of flour, oil, sugar, and salt. Eating churros, with or without chocolate, is an authentic Spanish tradition and is considered a very cozy and social act because, according to the Spanish, it is unthinkable to eat them alone! Take advantage of your stay in the country to learn Spanish and try this authentic breakfast in Spain.

Read this article in Spanish.

Churros con chocolate: a Spanish tradition

Spanish churros are a unique delicacy in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. This dough is made only of flour, oil, salt, and sugar and is usually eaten dipped in melted chocolate. But do you know their origin?

The origin of the Spanish churros is not clear, but it is believed to have its roots in Spain for centuries. There is a popular theory that churros were brought by Spanish shepherds traveling through the mountains. It is said that they prepared a simple dough of flour, water, and salt, and fried it in hot fat to obtain food quickly and provide them with energy for long days of work. This practice would have been inspired by a technique of the Moors, who used to fry a similar dough to make 'xurros' (a variant of churros), during the Arab period in Spain.

Others claim that churros were first consumed in Catalonia in the early 19th century. And there is another theory that Spanish gypsies sold churros at fairs and that this is their true origin.

Not even the Provincial Association of Churro Manufacturers has an explanation of the origin of churros. It is a great mystery, and we may never know exactly where Spanish churros come from....

But, although the exact origin is not known, Spanish churros have become an iconic element of Spanish gastronomy. They are enjoyed all over the country for breakfast, as a snack, as an afternoon snack or in the evening after a party. Churrerías usually open from 6 a.m., so many people who go out to party stop by after going out to eat churros with chocolate. You can also find churros in Spain at fairs or festivals, as well as in the dessert menu of some restaurants.

Wherever they come from, Spanish churros are very popular in Spain. As is typical in the country, you can order a cup of melted chocolate or a café con leche to dip the churros in.

Where are Spanish churros sold in Spain?

Nowadays churros are sold everywhere, but the tastiest ones are still in the churrerías. The churrero, the person in charge of making them, is a true artisan who knows exactly when the dough is perfect to pass it to a churrera, the machine used to shape the churro dough. 

Once the dough is shaped in the churrera, it is poured into abundant hot oil and fried briefly until it acquires a golden color. You can choose whether to sprinkle them with a little sugar or dip them in hot chocolate.

Although if you want to enjoy some authentic churros with chocolate in Spain, you must make a mandatory stop at Chocolatería San Ginés in Madrid. This is one of the most popular churrerías in the country. You will recognize Chocolatería San Ginés by its marble floor and its small tables, besides being in the heart of Madrid.

Another very famous one in Madrid is La Mallorquina. Although both places are usually crowded, you can't forget to visit them and try some authentic churros with chocolate.

Don't forget to try this delicacy during your stay in Spain!

Spain Spanish churros. Do you hear about the traditional churros con chocolate? Eating churros with or without melted chocolate is a real tradition in Spain. churros with chocolate, chocolate with churros, churros recipe, homemade churros recipe, churros dough, homemade churros, churros recipe Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Tessa

Spanish Cheese | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/21/2015 - 02:00
Spanish Cheese Cheese from Spain. One of the best known is Manchego cheese, but Spain has many other different cheeses.   spanish cheese

Many people do not know that Spain has a wide variety of cheeses. Yet you can find all kinds of different cheeses in Spain. One of the most famous is the Manchego cheese, but Spain has many other different cheeses. Most Spanish cheese finds its origin in the area of Asturias, which is known as a real cheese region.

  • Manchego is one of the best known Spanish cheeses and is also widely eaten in the Netherlands.
  • The famous cheese region of Asturias hosts an annual cheese market, where farmers from all over the region sell their products.

Spain has a wide variety of cheeses, so you can find many different cheeses, all with very different tastes. Actually, all types of cheeses are made in Spain. For example, you can find the well-known young and old cheese, but also white cheese, blue cheese or extra spicy cheese. Some well-known cheeses from Spain are the Manchego, the Tetilla and the Cabrales. Spanish cheese is made from the milk of cows, sheep, goats or a combination of these three.

Spain's most famous cheese region is Asturias in northern Spain. In this region, small family farms have been making cheese for generations.  What is nice to see when you visit this region is that shepherds still roam the area with their flocks of sheep and goats. The most famous cheese from this region is the Cabrales, a mold cheese that comes from the combination of cow, sheep and goat milk. This cheese owes its special taste to the aging process in limestone caves.  Every last Sunday of August, the area hosts a large cheese market, where cheese farmers from all over the area gather to sell their products.

Manchego Cheese

The most famous cheese from Spain is the Manchego cheese. This sheep's cheese is named after La Mancha and has been made here from the whole milk of Manchega sheep for over two thousand years. Manchego has a rather sweet but mild flavor. The cheese used to be very popular with shepherds, who took it with them on their treks, because it had a very long shelf life. Today, the cheese has an aging period of about two to three months and can be divided into 4 categories. Young Manchego is called "fresco" in Spain, young cured is called "semicurado", cured is called "curado" and old Manchego is called "viejo" in Spain.

Manchego cheese is one of the many Spanish specialties and is used in many different ways. It can be eaten as a tapa, incorporated into a salad or, of course, served on a cheese board, where it is often combined with a paste of quince and nuts. What is special about Manchego cheese is that nowadays it is actually produced all over Spain but no one has ever managed to recreate it perfectly like in La Mancha. This is because the weather conditions in La Mancha are unique. The summers are long, dry and very hot, while the winters are very cold. 

Spain Cheese from Spain. One of the best known is Manchego cheese, but Spain has many other different cheeses. manchego, manchego cheese, spanish cheese Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Wendy

The nightlife of Andalusia, Spain | donQuijote

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/27/2015 - 02:00
The nightlife of Andalusia Andalusia. The nightlife most characterizes the Andalusian region for its versatility and is akin to the enchanting Arabian atmosphere.   nighlife andalusia

Andalusia is the largest region in southern Spain. The region has 8 provinces, each of which has its own capital city. Well-known cities in Andalusia are Seville, Málaga, Cadiz, Cordoba and Granada. Many Moorish influences can be found in the region because the Moors used to rule here. Andalusia is best known for its warm climate and many hours of sunshine. There are plenty of different things to do; lie on the beach, visit beautiful cultural cities, relax, eat tapas, enjoy flamenco, and of course not to forget: Andalusia has a vibrant nightlife.  The nightlife most characterizes the Andalusian region for its versatility and is akin to the enchanting Arabian atmosphere.  

  • Spanish nightlife usually starts after 00.00, after late dinner and drinks, and often continues until after sunrise.
  • Because there are many Moorish influences in Andalusia, the nightlife is akin to the romantic '1001 and one night' atmosphere. '
  • Andalusia's nightlife certainly has a different atmosphere from the rest of Spain and has something for everyone. Reasons enough to discover Andalusia's nightlife!

In general, nightlife in Spain is very popular and often takes some getting used to for tourists from northern Europe. In fact, nightlife in Spain often continues until after dawn. Spanish nightlife begins with having aperitifs in restaurants and bars, followed by a late dinner. With friends, you then go to a bar or discotheque where there is partying late into the night. For the diehards, there are then bars and clubs that are open all night, or visit an after-hours or morning club. And to finish, the next morning, have a nice breakfast of churros and chocolate.

In Andalusia, nightlife is not very different, but due to the province's versatility, there is plenty to do. For tourists unfamiliar with Spanish or Andalusian nightlife, going out is an odd and perhaps strange experience. People in Andalusia go out late for a drink with a tapa and then continue partying until the early hours. In Seville and Granada the nightlife goes on all year round because of the many Spanish and international students who live there, but on the coast there is more liveliness in the summer. In Marbella and Torremolinos there are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In summer these places are full of tourists which gives a cozy atmosphere.

Andalusia's nightlife is very broad so there is always something for everyone. Inhabiting a flamenco performance in Seville, checking out a student band in cozy Granada, sipping a cocktail at a beach bar with a relaxed surf atmosphere on the Costa de Luz or heading to elegant Marbella where you can spend around 50 euros for a round. For gambling lovers there is also plenty to do in Andalusia, why not spend a night at the casino. Andalusia's nightlife is very much divided into different regions. These regions often have their own age groups and styles, so there is something for everyone!

Spain Andalusia. The nightlife most characterizes the Andalusian region for its versatility and is akin to the enchanting Arabian atmosphere. andalusia, nightlife sevilla, nightlife spain, nighlife andalusia Off <!-- Revive Adserver Etiqueta JS asincrónica - Generated with Revive Adserver v5.0.2 --><ins data-revive-zoneid="7" data-revive-id="ec923599c3fad9b044f22a6a73433428"></ins><script async src="//ads.iegrupo.com/www/delivery/asyncjs.php"></script> Tessa
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