Oct 6, Pestios - Sweet Spanish Fritters

No seas pestiño means "don't get on my nerves". But while making pestiños is not nerve-racking, you do need to pay attention when both mixing and frying. These crunchy fritters are popular in Andalusia, where cooks fry with passion.

3/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for fryingZest of 1 orange, cut into long, narrow strips1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus extra for sprinkling1/2 aniseeds1 tablespoon unsalted butter1 tablespoon lard1/2 cup water6 tablespoons sweet white winePinch of salt1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon grated lemon zest2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting1/2 cup honey

To flavor the olive oil, in a skillet, heat the 3/4 cup olive oil over high heat. Add the orange zest and fry for about 2 minutes, or until the zest begins to turn golden. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve placed over a heatproof bowl, discarding the zest. Stir in the 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and the aniseeds.

In a saucepan, combine the butter, lard, 1/3 cup water, and the wine and place over medium-low heat. When the fats have melted, add the cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest and stir well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the flour all at once and then the seasoned oil an immediately remove the pan from the heat. Using the wooden spoon, promptly and vigorously mix the flour with the liquid until the dough is firm and free of all air bubbles. This will take about 5 minutes.

Lightly dust a work surface, preferably marble, with flour and transfer the dough to it. Knead briefly until soft and flexible, and then shape into a ball. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for about 1 hour.

Clean the work surface, dust again with flour, and roll out into a very thin 20-inch square. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares. You will have 25 squares. Working from a corner of each square, roll up the square on the diagonal, crating a cylinder with a 1/2-inch hollow center. To prevent the fritters from unfolding when you fry them, dampen your finger and press the point of the seam to the layer beneath it, sealing it in place.

Pour olive oil to a depth of 1 inch into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Working in batches, fry the fritters, turning as needed , for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining fritters, always reheating the oil until almost smoking before adding the next batch.

Meanwhile, in a small, heavy saucepan, heat the honey with the remaining 1/4 cup water over high heat. Boil briefly, stirring constantly, until a thick, syrupy consistency forms. Remove from the heat and let cook slightly.

Arrange the warm fritters on a serving plate, and spoon the honey syrup over them. Let the fritters cool completely. Serve at room temperature.

View the original article here

Oct 6, Spanish Dessert Recipes

Many of Spain's best-known desserts are smooth, creamy, rich custards - fashioned from the country's high quality  milk and eggs - such as flan, crema catalana, and tocino de cielo. The latter, along with crumbly cookie-like polvorones; various yemas, or egg-yolk confections; and other sweets, were once widely made by nuns, who sold their products to help maintain their convents. Many of the recipes relied heavily on egg yolks, which the nuns received free from the winemakers who needed only the whites to clarify their sherries and red wines. Today, fewer religious orders sell these centuries-old delicacies, though some convents in cities and towns in Andalusia, Castilla y León, and elsewhere are keeping the tradition alive.

Of course, such classic tarts as the almond-flavored técula mécula, which dates to the early sixteenth century, and the mint-laced flaó, a specialty of Balearic cooks, rely on eggs and dairy as well, as do wonderfully rich ice creams and a variety of cheese desserts, including greixonera de brossat and quesadas - all of them satisfying finales to a meal.

But Spanish sweet treats do not restrict themselves to desserts. The long, slender, crisp fritters knon as churros are irresistible treats that never appear on a dessert menu., but are eaten for breakfast all over Spain. Majorcan ensaimadas, fluffy pastry coils that are sometimes plain and sometimes filled with preserves or cream, are also enjoyed as the first meal of the day. Both the fritters and the pastries are eaten for merienda, the Spanish teatime, too, serving as perfect midafternoon pick-me-ups in anticipation of the long wait for Spain's legendary late dinner hour.

Andalusia is famous for its mermelada de naranja ácida, yet another breakfast-table favorite. The marmalade, made form the region's bitter Seville oranges, is delicious spread on the day's first bread. In contrast, the popular, mildly floral-tasting preserve known as carne de membrillo, or quince paste, is typically served after dinner with Spanish cheese, with a slice of each placed together on a plate. Apart from these two - orange marmalade and membrillo -  Spaniards enjoy the products of their rich agriculture all year-round with excellent fruit preserves, such as raspberry, apricot, plum, strawberry, or wild blackberry.

At Spain-recipes.com we've selected some of the best Spanish Dessert recipes (well, at least our favorites;-). We've tried to gather the different styles - due to the diversity of climates and products available in each Spanish region - to give you a short -and sweet!- tour of Spain, its people, and  its culinary culture.

Below, you'll find a selection of some of the most popular Spanish dessert recipes, collected with the unique goal of delivering you the true essence of Spanish gastronomy.

Pestiños (Sweet fritters): No seas pestiño means "don't get on my nerves". But while making pestiños is not nerve-racking, you do need to pay attention when both mixing and frying. These crunchy fritters are popular in Andalusia, where cooks fry with passion.Empanada de manzana (Spanish Apple pie): Though empanadas are most often thought of as savory pies, they can also be made of fruits and served as a dessert or for merienda (teatime). For the best results, I recommend using tart, slightly acidic apples for this recipes.Brazo de gitano: This recipe is from my grandmother. She used to prepare it on special occasions, and all the family gathered to enjoy it. Despite it has an small amount of liquor (rum), it's ok for kids, and you will find them asking for another slice!Churros: Although churros are by no means exclusive to Madrid, they may have originated here. No open-air festival would be complete without its churrería stall, or at least a hawker wearing white cuffs and carrying a basket of freshly-fried fritters. Almond Ice Cream: Whether served with ensaimadas or alone, this ice cream makes a perfect dessert.Gató d'ametlla: This Majorcan cake is believed to have originated in Valldemossa, the island town made famous by Chopin and George Sand, who spent a winter together there in an abandoned Carthusian monastery that today draws many visitors. This version, a recipe from one of our friends, is the best that I have ever tastedFlaó: Flaó is similar to American cheesecake, but the use of mint leaves and aniseeds sets it apart and makes it particularly refreshing. It calls for requesón, a fresh milk cheese, also known as Quark, and though you can easily make your own, I have also obtained spectacular results using the more readily available cream cheese.Arbequina Olive Oil Ice Cream on a Hojiblanca Oil Cake: The Hojiblanca oil that is the basis for most oils from Malaga is the perfect ingredient for this cake. Arbequina oil is preferable for the ice cream because it is sweeter and has a nutty flavor that perfumes the creamy egg mixture.Almond Cakes: The cake and pastries made in Spanish convents are famous for their delicacy, the result of careful preparation and traditional methods. Many of the recipes, a legacy of the Arab presence in Spain, wisely combine almonds with honey and eggs and were brought to the convents by nuns who had learnt them in their homes.Magdalenas: Magdalenas are small sweet cakes that are rich-tasting, but light and fluffy. The Spanish traditionally eat them at breakfast with café con leche, and they are said to have originated in Aragón.Strawberry Flan: This rich dessert is a variation of the traditional Spanish dessert called "Flan." Instead of vanilla, this flan is flavored with fresh strawberries.Bizcochos Borrachos (Drunken sponge cakes): Light spongy cake, drizzled with a sweet sauce of brandy, lemon and cinnamon. It is a wonderful light dessert to complete a Spanish dinner. These "bizcochos" are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of Spanish coffee or hot chocolate on a cold morning or for afternoon tea.Flan Recipe: This is the classic flan, which is as light and delicious as it is timeless. This basic flan recipe is also used to make flans of different flavors by substituting another liquid for part or all of the milk. For example, the best sweet oranges in Spain come from Valencia and Murcia, and an orange flan, made from freshly squeezed juice, is popular there.Torrijas: a traditional bread pudding eaten in EasterLeche frita: A dessert made of milk, egg and flour. A non-conventional dessert very easy do make!Crema Catalana: Because of its crisp, caramelized topping, this creamy Catalan dessert is often compared to the French crème brûlée. Sweet Catalan cream, however, is not as heavy or rich as its French cousin, and thus makes a more pleasant ending to a heavy paella dinner.Cinnamon Ice Cream: This is a classic dessert in Spain. Although ice cream is not eaten at home, summer dinners many times end up at an 'Heladería' (ice cream stand) where Spaniards eat this one!Tocinillo de cielo: Created in the early years of the last century, when wineries from Jerez de la frontera donated the leftover egg yolks of the clarification (the egg whites are used to clarify the wine) to the nuns. These, with divine success, mixed them with syrup and they treated to the bath Maria, thus was born tocinillo de cielo... God blesses them!Tarta de Santiago (St. James' Cake): A traditional cake from northern Spain. The tarta is dense and rich in flavor and is well-known in Santiago, Spain as a delectable treat used to lure passers-by into restaurants or cafés. Orange cake: Orange cake is a typical dessert recipe from Valencia, where the best oranges are produced. Orange cake is very easy to prepare, and will become an instant success when you offer it to your family or guests! Ensaimada: A Majorcan favorite, ensaimadas are warm, yeast-based cakes fashioned into round, coiled shapes. Although delicious, these cakes are time-consuming to prepare, because the dough must be allowed to rise several times. Arroz con leche: Some say that Arroz con Leche descends from the Moorish occupation of Spain centuries ago, as may be evidenced by the traditionally Arabic mixture of cinnamon and rice. This creamy dessert may be savored warm or cold, though most Spanish establishments tend to serve arroz con leche straight from the oven. If you wish, you may decorate the finished pudding with raisins and an extra sprinkling of cinnamon.

View the original article here

Sep 22, Empanada de Manzana (Spanish Apple pie)

Apple Empanada

Though empanadas are most often thought of as savory pies, they can also be made of fruits and served as a dessert or for merienda (teatime). For the best results, I recommend using tart, slightly acidic apples for this recipes.

The dough for most empanadas is made with wheat flour; for desert empanadas, I find that corn flour works better. To simplify your shopping, I have userd wheat flour here, but if you decide to try corn flour, use the same amount.

Makes 1 (10 by 15-inch or 11-inch round) empanadaDough 1 egg1 teaspoon sugarPinch of salt2 teaspoons active dry yeast1/2 cup whole milk, heated to lukewarm (90º to 100ºF)2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dustingFilling Olive oil for preparing the pan5 tart apples, halved, peeled, cored, and cut lengthwise into 1-inch-thick slices5 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons apricot jam (optional)1 egg, lightly beaten

To make the dough, in a large bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and salt until blended. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let stand for about 5 minutes, or until foamy. Add the yeast mixture and the butter to the bowl with the egg mixture and mix well.

Add about half of the flour and mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until completely incorporated. Add the rest of the flour a little at a time, continuing to mix with the spatula. When all the flour has been added and the dough becomes difficult to mix, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until well blended and elastic but not sticky, about 10 minutes.

Place the dough in a large bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rise at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours, or until about doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Brush a 10 by 15-inch baking sheet or an 11-inch pie pan with olive oil.

Lightly flour the work surface. Punch down the dough and divide into 2 pieces, one slightly larger than the other (the larger portion will form the bottom crust, and the smaller portion the top crust). Using a rolling pin, roll out the larger portion into a sheet about 1/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the baking sheet or pie pan. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Using your fingers, press the dough over the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Pierce the dough with fork tines in several places to prevent bubbles from forming.

Layer the apple slices neatly and evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the apples evenly with the sugar and then brush with the apricot jam, if desired. Roll out the second portion of dough into a thin sheet slightly smaller than the bottom crust. Carefully lay it over the filling. Trim any raggedy edges.

Using your fingers, press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together, sealing them securely. Trim off any excess dough. Pierce the top of the dough several times with the fork tines to allow steam to be released during baking. Brush the top with the beaten egg. Brush the top with the beaten egg.

Place the empanada in the oven for 30 minutes, or until nicely browned. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool in the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into squares or wedges.

View the original article here

Sep 22, Spanish Recipes for you!

Spain-recipes, as its name says, is devoted to offer you the best selection of Spanish recipes, along with a careful selection of ingredients to match.

If you're looking for authentic paella recipe, or the real sangria, Spanish tapas, or even the true gazpacho, look no further! You'll be able to find them all on spain-recipes! Is that all? Certainly not. In the Mediterranean area, there is no good meal without its complements: wine, olive oil, ?tapas?, and so on. All this can also be found at spain-recipes.com, as well as the best cookbooks and kitchenware, in order to provide you with a unique experience in the Mediterranean diet.

Thanks for your visit, and enjoy your Spanish experience!

Many of Spain's best-known desserts are smooth, creamy, rich custards - fashioned from the country's high quality  milk and eggs - such as flan, crema catalana, and tocino de cielo. The latter, along with crumbly cookie-like polvorones; various yemas, or egg-yolk confections; and other sweets, were once widely made by nuns, who sold their products to help maintain their convents.

Read more...

In slices, for spreading or in cubes. As a snack, for dessert, in salads or as part of a recipe. Cheese is delicious any way you try it, and it is always a part of any meal worth the name. Simple but delicious, devotees of this dairy product will find more than a hundred different varieties in Spain. It is one of the vital ingredients in Spanish cuisine. Come and discover it.

Read more...

Tapas are Spain's greatest food invention. "Eat when you drink, drink when you eat" is the philosophy. Spanish men traditionally drink outside the home and rarely alone. They are not meant to be a meal (although a raci?n is a substantial portion). One tapa per person and a different one with each drink is the idea, then everyone enjoys tasting and sharing. Tapas food is real food - good local ingredients presented with flair.

Read more...

There is nothing more Spanish than jam?n serrano. This country ham is a national treasure shared in Spain by all walks of life. Cured for at least a year, it has a much deeper flavor firmer texture than its closest relateive, Italian prosciutto. Serve as a 'Tapa' with cheese and olives, or in your favorite Spanish recipe.

Read more...

Its cuisine is one of the main tourist attractions of Galicia: the exquisite delicacies of this region are based on the high quality and variety of the local products used in the preparation of dishes. Country, farm and sea products are unique in their characteristics and quality. Furthermore, it cannot be forgotten that one of the main pillars of Galician cooking is the professionalism of its experts. Galician chefs are found world-wide.

Read more...

View the original article here

Sep 22, Spanish Cheese... with pleasure!

In slices, for spreading or in cubes. As a snack, for dessert, in salads or as part of a recipe. Cheese is delicious any way you try it, and it is always a part of any meal worth the name. Simple but delicious, devotees of this dairy product will find more than a hundred different varieties in Spain. It is one of the vital ingredients in Spanish cuisine. Come and discover it.

Spanish cheeses are perfect to enjoy at any time of the day, and on any occasion. They are a delight to the palate. They are tasty, healthy and come in a range of flavors. They are also of outstanding quality and variety. Did you know that there are over one hundred different cheeses in Spanish gastronomy? There are curd cheeses such as Burgos cheese, cream cheese such as Torta del Casar, blue cheeses such as Cabrales, aged cheeses such as Manchego, smoked such as Palmero… There is a long and tasty list as you will discover. One of the factors which accounts for this diversity of flavor is the high production of cow’s, goat’s and ewe’s milk in our country. Another reason is the differing climates, landscapes and pastures. When you travel around Spain you will see that each area and region has its own distinctive cheese. Examples include Idiazábal cheese from the Basque Country, Roncal cheese from Navarre, Mahón cheese from the Balearics, Tetilla cheese from Galicia, and Majorero cheese from the Canary Islands. Ask for them as a first course or as a tapa, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their texture.

Cheese-making in Spain is a tradition which goes back hundreds of years. However, in spite of the technical and industrial advances, the element of craftsmanship has never been lost in the production process. Of course to go with your cheese-tasting, we recommend that you choose any of the wines produced in the vineyards in our country. You will discover an ideal combination. You’ve been warned: when you try Spanish cheese, you’re bound to want some more. It’s impossible to resist. If you wish, take some home with you as a souvenir or as a gift for friends and family; they’re sure to love you for it. So as not to go wrong, it’s best to select products and brands bearing the Designation of Origin (D.O.) stamp which guarantees their quality and authenticity. Spanish cheeses are an exceptional treat that everyone can afford. Why miss it?

View the original article here

Sep 22, Spanish Cheese... with pleasure!

In slices, for spreading or in cubes. As a snack, for dessert, in salads or as part of a recipe. Cheese is delicious any way you try it, and it is always a part of any meal worth the name. Simple but delicious, devotees of this dairy product will find more than a hundred different varieties in Spain. It is one of the vital ingredients in Spanish cuisine. Come and discover it.

Spanish cheeses are perfect to enjoy at any time of the day, and on any occasion. They are a delight to the palate. They are tasty, healthy and come in a range of flavors. They are also of outstanding quality and variety. Did you know that there are over one hundred different cheeses in Spanish gastronomy? There are curd cheeses such as Burgos cheese, cream cheese such as Torta del Casar, blue cheeses such as Cabrales, aged cheeses such as Manchego, smoked such as Palmero… There is a long and tasty list as you will discover. One of the factors which accounts for this diversity of flavor is the high production of cow’s, goat’s and ewe’s milk in our country. Another reason is the differing climates, landscapes and pastures. When you travel around Spain you will see that each area and region has its own distinctive cheese. Examples include Idiazábal cheese from the Basque Country, Roncal cheese from Navarre, Mahón cheese from the Balearics, Tetilla cheese from Galicia, and Majorero cheese from the Canary Islands. Ask for them as a first course or as a tapa, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their texture.

Cheese-making in Spain is a tradition which goes back hundreds of years. However, in spite of the technical and industrial advances, the element of craftsmanship has never been lost in the production process. Of course to go with your cheese-tasting, we recommend that you choose any of the wines produced in the vineyards in our country. You will discover an ideal combination. You’ve been warned: when you try Spanish cheese, you’re bound to want some more. It’s impossible to resist. If you wish, take some home with you as a souvenir or as a gift for friends and family; they’re sure to love you for it. So as not to go wrong, it’s best to select products and brands bearing the Designation of Origin (D.O.) stamp which guarantees their quality and authenticity. Spanish cheeses are an exceptional treat that everyone can afford. Why miss it?

View the original article here

Oct 14, Spanish Vegetable Recipes

Cardoons, swiss chard, eggplants, zucchini, asparagus, and other vegetables, whether cooked alone or as part of a more elaborate presentation, are typically served as a first course in Spain, rather than as an accompaniment to a main course (a main-course accompaniment is usually roasted or fried potatoes, potato purée, or white rice). Since some of these vegetables dishes, such as the mixed-vegetable menestra de verduras from Navarra, require a lengthy preparation - often far longer than grilled meats or fish - it's fitting that they receive special attention at the table.

However, many of these first courses could indeed make wonderful accompaniments in the American sense. For example, in Spain, the classic La Mancha stew, a simple blend of tomatoes and peppers, is often served with fried or scrambled eggs as a first course for lunch or dinner, but it would go well with grilled fish or meat as a side dish, too.

And the versatility of these dishes, despite their prescribed place on the Spanish menu, does not end there. Most of these first courses can be served as main courses by simply increasing the portion size.

Escalivada: Catalonians eat this dish as a first course or as an accompaniment to meats. The special characteristic of these roasted vegetables is their smoky flavor, since orthodoxy demands roasting them over embers (the Catalan word escalivar means 'to roast over ashes or embers'). I have prepared them in the oven with good results.Zarangollo, a simple dish, which combines the ubiquitous zucchini of Murcia with onions, is a favorite of Murcian cooks, who prepare it both with and without eggs.Menestra de verduras: Menestra is one of the irreplaceable dishes of Navarra cuisine. Menestra can be served as a side dish to fish or meat, or as a main course in its own.Sautéed Swiss Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts: In Catalonia, this is an everyday first course, with spinach sometimes standing in for the Swiss chard. Cooks in the Balearic Islands combine these same ingredients to make the filling for cocarrois, their traditional vegetable turnovers. Sauteed Piquillo peppers: Piquillo peppers require little extra work because they are already roasted and bursting with flavor straight out of the jar. I often serve them as a side dish with meats, sautéing them in olive oil, garlic, and a little milk.

View the original article here

Sep 22, Spanish Recipes for you!

Spain-recipes, as its name says, is devoted to offer you the best selection of Spanish recipes, along with a careful selection of ingredients to match.

If you're looking for authentic paella recipe, or the real sangria, Spanish tapas, or even the true gazpacho, look no further! You'll be able to find them all on spain-recipes! Is that all? Certainly not. In the Mediterranean area, there is no good meal without its complements: wine, olive oil, ?tapas?, and so on. All this can also be found at spain-recipes.com, as well as the best cookbooks and kitchenware, in order to provide you with a unique experience in the Mediterranean diet.

Thanks for your visit, and enjoy your Spanish experience!

Many of Spain's best-known desserts are smooth, creamy, rich custards - fashioned from the country's high quality  milk and eggs - such as flan, crema catalana, and tocino de cielo. The latter, along with crumbly cookie-like polvorones; various yemas, or egg-yolk confections; and other sweets, were once widely made by nuns, who sold their products to help maintain their convents.

Read more...

In slices, for spreading or in cubes. As a snack, for dessert, in salads or as part of a recipe. Cheese is delicious any way you try it, and it is always a part of any meal worth the name. Simple but delicious, devotees of this dairy product will find more than a hundred different varieties in Spain. It is one of the vital ingredients in Spanish cuisine. Come and discover it.

Read more...

Tapas are Spain's greatest food invention. "Eat when you drink, drink when you eat" is the philosophy. Spanish men traditionally drink outside the home and rarely alone. They are not meant to be a meal (although a raci?n is a substantial portion). One tapa per person and a different one with each drink is the idea, then everyone enjoys tasting and sharing. Tapas food is real food - good local ingredients presented with flair.

Read more...

There is nothing more Spanish than jam?n serrano. This country ham is a national treasure shared in Spain by all walks of life. Cured for at least a year, it has a much deeper flavor firmer texture than its closest relateive, Italian prosciutto. Serve as a 'Tapa' with cheese and olives, or in your favorite Spanish recipe.

Read more...

Its cuisine is one of the main tourist attractions of Galicia: the exquisite delicacies of this region are based on the high quality and variety of the local products used in the preparation of dishes. Country, farm and sea products are unique in their characteristics and quality. Furthermore, it cannot be forgotten that one of the main pillars of Galician cooking is the professionalism of its experts. Galician chefs are found world-wide.

Read more...

View the original article here

Oct 6, Pestios - Sweet Spanish Fritters

No seas pestiño means "don't get on my nerves". But while making pestiños is not nerve-racking, you do need to pay attention when both mixing and frying. These crunchy fritters are popular in Andalusia, where cooks fry with passion.

3/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for fryingZest of 1 orange, cut into long, narrow strips1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus extra for sprinkling1/2 aniseeds1 tablespoon unsalted butter1 tablespoon lard1/2 cup water6 tablespoons sweet white winePinch of salt1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon grated lemon zest2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting1/2 cup honey

To flavor the olive oil, in a skillet, heat the 3/4 cup olive oil over high heat. Add the orange zest and fry for about 2 minutes, or until the zest begins to turn golden. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve placed over a heatproof bowl, discarding the zest. Stir in the 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and the aniseeds.

In a saucepan, combine the butter, lard, 1/3 cup water, and the wine and place over medium-low heat. When the fats have melted, add the cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest and stir well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the flour all at once and then the seasoned oil an immediately remove the pan from the heat. Using the wooden spoon, promptly and vigorously mix the flour with the liquid until the dough is firm and free of all air bubbles. This will take about 5 minutes.

Lightly dust a work surface, preferably marble, with flour and transfer the dough to it. Knead briefly until soft and flexible, and then shape into a ball. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for about 1 hour.

Clean the work surface, dust again with flour, and roll out into a very thin 20-inch square. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares. You will have 25 squares. Working from a corner of each square, roll up the square on the diagonal, crating a cylinder with a 1/2-inch hollow center. To prevent the fritters from unfolding when you fry them, dampen your finger and press the point of the seam to the layer beneath it, sealing it in place.

Pour olive oil to a depth of 1 inch into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Working in batches, fry the fritters, turning as needed , for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining fritters, always reheating the oil until almost smoking before adding the next batch.

Meanwhile, in a small, heavy saucepan, heat the honey with the remaining 1/4 cup water over high heat. Boil briefly, stirring constantly, until a thick, syrupy consistency forms. Remove from the heat and let cook slightly.

Arrange the warm fritters on a serving plate, and spoon the honey syrup over them. Let the fritters cool completely. Serve at room temperature.

View the original article here

Oct 6, Spanish Dessert Recipes

Many of Spain's best-known desserts are smooth, creamy, rich custards - fashioned from the country's high quality  milk and eggs - such as flan, crema catalana, and tocino de cielo. The latter, along with crumbly cookie-like polvorones; various yemas, or egg-yolk confections; and other sweets, were once widely made by nuns, who sold their products to help maintain their convents. Many of the recipes relied heavily on egg yolks, which the nuns received free from the winemakers who needed only the whites to clarify their sherries and red wines. Today, fewer religious orders sell these centuries-old delicacies, though some convents in cities and towns in Andalusia, Castilla y León, and elsewhere are keeping the tradition alive.

Of course, such classic tarts as the almond-flavored técula mécula, which dates to the early sixteenth century, and the mint-laced flaó, a specialty of Balearic cooks, rely on eggs and dairy as well, as do wonderfully rich ice creams and a variety of cheese desserts, including greixonera de brossat and quesadas - all of them satisfying finales to a meal.

But Spanish sweet treats do not restrict themselves to desserts. The long, slender, crisp fritters knon as churros are irresistible treats that never appear on a dessert menu., but are eaten for breakfast all over Spain. Majorcan ensaimadas, fluffy pastry coils that are sometimes plain and sometimes filled with preserves or cream, are also enjoyed as the first meal of the day. Both the fritters and the pastries are eaten for merienda, the Spanish teatime, too, serving as perfect midafternoon pick-me-ups in anticipation of the long wait for Spain's legendary late dinner hour.

Andalusia is famous for its mermelada de naranja ácida, yet another breakfast-table favorite. The marmalade, made form the region's bitter Seville oranges, is delicious spread on the day's first bread. In contrast, the popular, mildly floral-tasting preserve known as carne de membrillo, or quince paste, is typically served after dinner with Spanish cheese, with a slice of each placed together on a plate. Apart from these two - orange marmalade and membrillo -  Spaniards enjoy the products of their rich agriculture all year-round with excellent fruit preserves, such as raspberry, apricot, plum, strawberry, or wild blackberry.

At Spain-recipes.com we've selected some of the best Spanish Dessert recipes (well, at least our favorites;-). We've tried to gather the different styles - due to the diversity of climates and products available in each Spanish region - to give you a short -and sweet!- tour of Spain, its people, and  its culinary culture.

Below, you'll find a selection of some of the most popular Spanish dessert recipes, collected with the unique goal of delivering you the true essence of Spanish gastronomy.

Pestiños (Sweet fritters): No seas pestiño means "don't get on my nerves". But while making pestiños is not nerve-racking, you do need to pay attention when both mixing and frying. These crunchy fritters are popular in Andalusia, where cooks fry with passion.Empanada de manzana (Spanish Apple pie): Though empanadas are most often thought of as savory pies, they can also be made of fruits and served as a dessert or for merienda (teatime). For the best results, I recommend using tart, slightly acidic apples for this recipes.Brazo de gitano: This recipe is from my grandmother. She used to prepare it on special occasions, and all the family gathered to enjoy it. Despite it has an small amount of liquor (rum), it's ok for kids, and you will find them asking for another slice!Churros: Although churros are by no means exclusive to Madrid, they may have originated here. No open-air festival would be complete without its churrería stall, or at least a hawker wearing white cuffs and carrying a basket of freshly-fried fritters. Almond Ice Cream: Whether served with ensaimadas or alone, this ice cream makes a perfect dessert.Gató d'ametlla: This Majorcan cake is believed to have originated in Valldemossa, the island town made famous by Chopin and George Sand, who spent a winter together there in an abandoned Carthusian monastery that today draws many visitors. This version, a recipe from one of our friends, is the best that I have ever tastedFlaó: Flaó is similar to American cheesecake, but the use of mint leaves and aniseeds sets it apart and makes it particularly refreshing. It calls for requesón, a fresh milk cheese, also known as Quark, and though you can easily make your own, I have also obtained spectacular results using the more readily available cream cheese.Arbequina Olive Oil Ice Cream on a Hojiblanca Oil Cake: The Hojiblanca oil that is the basis for most oils from Malaga is the perfect ingredient for this cake. Arbequina oil is preferable for the ice cream because it is sweeter and has a nutty flavor that perfumes the creamy egg mixture.Almond Cakes: The cake and pastries made in Spanish convents are famous for their delicacy, the result of careful preparation and traditional methods. Many of the recipes, a legacy of the Arab presence in Spain, wisely combine almonds with honey and eggs and were brought to the convents by nuns who had learnt them in their homes.Magdalenas: Magdalenas are small sweet cakes that are rich-tasting, but light and fluffy. The Spanish traditionally eat them at breakfast with café con leche, and they are said to have originated in Aragón.Strawberry Flan: This rich dessert is a variation of the traditional Spanish dessert called "Flan." Instead of vanilla, this flan is flavored with fresh strawberries.Bizcochos Borrachos (Drunken sponge cakes): Light spongy cake, drizzled with a sweet sauce of brandy, lemon and cinnamon. It is a wonderful light dessert to complete a Spanish dinner. These "bizcochos" are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of Spanish coffee or hot chocolate on a cold morning or for afternoon tea.Flan Recipe: This is the classic flan, which is as light and delicious as it is timeless. This basic flan recipe is also used to make flans of different flavors by substituting another liquid for part or all of the milk. For example, the best sweet oranges in Spain come from Valencia and Murcia, and an orange flan, made from freshly squeezed juice, is popular there.Torrijas: a traditional bread pudding eaten in EasterLeche frita: A dessert made of milk, egg and flour. A non-conventional dessert very easy do make!Crema Catalana: Because of its crisp, caramelized topping, this creamy Catalan dessert is often compared to the French crème brûlée. Sweet Catalan cream, however, is not as heavy or rich as its French cousin, and thus makes a more pleasant ending to a heavy paella dinner.Cinnamon Ice Cream: This is a classic dessert in Spain. Although ice cream is not eaten at home, summer dinners many times end up at an 'Heladería' (ice cream stand) where Spaniards eat this one!Tocinillo de cielo: Created in the early years of the last century, when wineries from Jerez de la frontera donated the leftover egg yolks of the clarification (the egg whites are used to clarify the wine) to the nuns. These, with divine success, mixed them with syrup and they treated to the bath Maria, thus was born tocinillo de cielo... God blesses them!Tarta de Santiago (St. James' Cake): A traditional cake from northern Spain. The tarta is dense and rich in flavor and is well-known in Santiago, Spain as a delectable treat used to lure passers-by into restaurants or cafés. Orange cake: Orange cake is a typical dessert recipe from Valencia, where the best oranges are produced. Orange cake is very easy to prepare, and will become an instant success when you offer it to your family or guests! Ensaimada: A Majorcan favorite, ensaimadas are warm, yeast-based cakes fashioned into round, coiled shapes. Although delicious, these cakes are time-consuming to prepare, because the dough must be allowed to rise several times. Arroz con leche: Some say that Arroz con Leche descends from the Moorish occupation of Spain centuries ago, as may be evidenced by the traditionally Arabic mixture of cinnamon and rice. This creamy dessert may be savored warm or cold, though most Spanish establishments tend to serve arroz con leche straight from the oven. If you wish, you may decorate the finished pudding with raisins and an extra sprinkling of cinnamon.

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Oct 13, Spanish tapas - easy recipes

In the Mediterranean diet it is typical to begin the food with succulent starters to open up the appetite. Either in complete portions or in half rations - the famous ‘tapas’ – appetizers are usually served before the food. Of the endless variety of starters that is possible to find - there is not town that doesn't have his own - we introduce a selection that we believe you will really enjoy.

Discover our brand-new Tapas recipe Site! We've created a new site dedicated only to Tapas. Find out all about Tapas by clicking here!

Foie Toast with Jamon Ibérico: This extraordinary and Special Ham deserves its own space. The Iberian Acorn Ham it's exclusive from Spain. Iberian hogs are born, fed and raised in the south and northwest of SpainShrimp Fritters - Tortillitas de Camarones: I have eaten these crisp, delicious shrimp fritters only in Andalusia, where deep-frying reigns supreme. They are at their best when made with chickpea flour, but regular flour is just OK.Spicy Sausage and Cheese Tortilla: This substantial tortilla is delicious hot or cold. Cut it into chunky wedges and serve for supper or a light lunch with a fresh tomato and basil salad. The addition of spicy chorizo and tangy cheese gives it a wonderful, rich flavor.Barbecued Mini Ribs: These tasty ribs are known as Costillas in Spain. They are delicious cooked on a barbecue and almost as good when cooked under a hot grill. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of the sweet sherry.Fried Black Pudding (Morcilla Frita): Spanish morcilla - black pudding - is the first sausage to be made from the freshly killed pig and is very popular throughout Spain. It is flavored with spices and herbs, usually including garlic and oregano, and has a wonderfully rich, spicy taste.Ceviche: You can use almost any firm-fleshed fish for this Spanish influenced dish, provided that it is perfectly fresh. The fish is 'cooked' by the action of the acidic lime juice. Adjust the amount of chilli according to your taste.Spiced Clams: Spanish clams, specially in the North, are much larger than clams found elsewhere, and have more succulent bodies. This modern recipe uses Arab spicing to make a hot dip or sauce. Serve with plenty of fresh bread to mop up the delicious juices!Stuffed Tomatoes tapas: This one is a simple recipe, very handy when preparing a barbeque or a picnic party. Tomatoes here are used as a container for a delicious Spanish stuffing.Salt Cod Fritters with Allioli: Bacalao - salt cod - is one of the great Spanish delights, adding flavor to bland ingredients such as potatoes. If you are unfamiliar with it, then this is a delightful way to try it out. Bitesize fish cakes, dipped into rich, creamy, garlicky allioli, are irresistible as a tapas dish or appetizer.Artichoke rice cakes with manchego: These unusual little croquetas contain artichoke in the rice mixture, and they break open to reveal a melting cheese centre. Manchego is made from sheep's milk and has a tart flavor that goes wonderfully with the delicate taste of the rice cakes.Prawn croquettes: Croquetas are ubiquitous in Spain, although they most likely originate from the French 'croquettes'. Their beauty lies in the bechamel base which is then mixed with your particular ingredient of choice to give it a characteristic flavor. The possibilities are almost endless - here we have used prawns.Prawn and Bacon Brochettes: The Spanish love bacon, which we cure and air-dry in the same way as our famous jamon. This combination of prawns and bacon is inspired and very popular, and can be found at most Tapas bar, as well as in many banquets and receptions. It is an ideal treat for your guests when having a party at home!Gildas: Gilda means lollipop, and the classic Gilda is a simple assembly of a guindilla (Spanish chile pepper), an anchovy and an olive. The combination of good-quality pinkish anchovies, smallish, crisp, unwrinkled chillies and a freshly pitted olive produce a sophisticated mélange.Smoked Fish and Fruit Pintxos: Smoked fish and fresh fruit make a perfect match when combined in this recipe and served as an appetizer. Smoked salmon is now ubiquitous in Spain, particularly in the cities. Less evidence is traditional bacalao (salt cod), for which smoked mackerel is a substitute here.Artichokes with clams: Artichokes are a popular vegetable in Spain, especially fresh from the market. They are often served sautéed with ham or stuffed with white sauce and ham or meat, etc. Sometimes served cold, they combine well with anchovies and piquillo peppers, or with salmon and capers, or tuna fish with a good olive oil.Patatas bravas: A classic! Spicy and hot fried potatoes, with a Brava sauce to match! Stuffed Mussels (Tigres): In Bilbao, these stuffed mussels are called Tigres because of their fieriness.  I fondly remember the crowded little bars in the old part of Bilbao, where orders of tigres would emerge by the dozens from the tiny kitchens.Empanadas: Empanadas, bread pies stuffed with shellfish, fish or meats, are iconic of Galician cuisine. The crusts and fillings vary from place to place, and nearly every Galician family, restaurant, and tavern claims to have the secret formula for making the best version. Of the many empanadas I have tasted in this beautiful northwestern region, these ones are my favorites - their crust is consistently delicate and delicious. Bread with Mushrooms and Alioli: This tapa recipe comes from a bar in Madrid. I used to jog around the Retiro and then eat these tostadas washed down with a nice cold caña! When I serve this recipe at a party, it is always the first to go!Mussels Vinaigrette: Steamed mussels are dressed with a flavorful vinaigrette in this colorful tapa. It is an ideal treat for a party or any event with lots of people attending. Pa amb oli: Pa amb oli means "bread with olive oil" in Majorcan, and it is as commonly eaten in the Balearic Islands as pa amb tomàquet is in Catalonia.Pulpo a Feira (Galician Octopus): Though it originated in Galicia or the neighboring region of Leon, pulpo a feira, as it is known in Galician, or pulpo a la gallega, as it is called in Spanish, is now popular throughout Spain. It is usually served on wooden plates with cachelos, potatoes that have been boiled or roasted in embers with their skins on. Pimientos rellenos (Rice-stuffed peppers): The rice to fill these stuffed peppers, which are typical of the mountain towns of Alcoy and Bocairent, cooks in the sweet juices from the tomato and pepper.Gambas a la plancha (Pan-grilled shrimp): Spaniards love to eat grilled shrimp at the counter of a good tapas bar while sipping a glass of chilled fino sherry or cold beer. The bars are often crowded, leaving little or no space for proper eating, and I find it fascinating to watch the locals skillfully manage to eat shrimp with one hand while holding a drink in the other.Ensaladilla Rusa (Spanish Potato Salad): This is a popular tapa recipe, made of vegetables and mayonnaise... It is served free in most bars in Spain, along with a beer or a glass of wine. Spanish Ham Croquettes: Croquetas are a common sight on bar counters and in homes across Spain, served as a tapa, light lunch, or a dinner along with a salad. The jamon serrano in this recipe could be replaced with chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded salt cod, minced shrimp, chopped chorizo, cheese, or just about any vegetable. Spanish omelette: This is THE tapa! There is nothing more typical than a Spanish omelette! Learn how to prepare the real one! Piperada: Piperada is a filling egg dish, which makes a delicious brunch, and it can also be served as a tapa. A popular variation of this recipe serves the piperada on toasted bread rounds dripping with butter. Either way, this simple egg dish is sure to become a part of your culinary repertoire. Green Aparaguses with Salmon: This innovative tapa recipe puts together traditional Spanish ingredients with northern salmon... Try this new classic tapa! Catalan Style Beans: Habas are a traditional type of Spanish bean, that Catalan chefs (after their grandmother's cookbook!) have turn into one of the greatest tapas nowadays! Meatballs in tomato sauce: found in most tapas bars, this traditional dish tastes best when served piping hot straight from the pan. Provide plenty of fresh bread to mop up the juicy tomato sauce. Tuna and goat cheese empanadillas: Empanadillas, the smaller, pocket-size versions of empanadas, are generally served as tapas, and, because no silverware is required to eat them, make perfect party food. Garlic-marinated Black Olives: Attesting to the simplicity of tapas, a handful of marinated olives is often ample accompaniment to a glass of chilled sherry in most Spanish tapas bars. Marinated to piquant perfection, these olives are far from ordinary. Apple and Walnut Salad: This refreshing, crisp summer salad provides the perfect accompaniment to a glass (or two) of chilled Spanish sherry. For a tangier version, add a dash of lemon juice to the mayonnaise before mixing it into the salad. Champiñones al ajillo: Few tapas taste more Spanish than champiñones al ajillo (ajillo mushrooms), dripping with olive oil, garlic and dry Spanish Sherry. Red Onion and Orange Salad: This popular and colorful salad lends a festive note to any tapas table, and is featured in many tapas bar throughout Spain. Asparagus Omelette: Although this unique omelette is usually served from the skillet, it is also delicious served cold or at room temperature. Indeed, cooled leftovers of this delectable dish with a glass of amontillado sherry make for a perfect picnic lunch. Pinchitos Morunos: Small Spicy Moorish Kebabs Europe's first kebabs were brought by the Arabs from Africa. Pinchitos morunos are eaten everywhere in Spain as a tapa, though nowadays they are made of pork, rather than lamb. Spices for them are sold ready-mixed in the south. I have used curry powder as part of my mixture as it contains cumin and very similar herbs. Riñones al Jerez - Sherry Kidneys: Most tapas bars in Spain serve Riñones al Jerez, though at home it can be served with rice or pasta as a main meal. You can add sliced mushrooms to increase the number of portions. Boquerones en Escabeche:  Moorish Pickled Anchovies This is an old, old way of preserving small fish which has survived into modern times because it is so delicious. The coast round Nerja is known for its shoals of fresh anchovies. In Malaga the fish are pressed together into a little fan, four tails together, for frying, but this is not essential to the recipe.

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Oct 14, Spanish Vegetable Recipes

Cardoons, swiss chard, eggplants, zucchini, asparagus, and other vegetables, whether cooked alone or as part of a more elaborate presentation, are typically served as a first course in Spain, rather than as an accompaniment to a main course (a main-course accompaniment is usually roasted or fried potatoes, potato purée, or white rice). Since some of these vegetables dishes, such as the mixed-vegetable menestra de verduras from Navarra, require a lengthy preparation - often far longer than grilled meats or fish - it's fitting that they receive special attention at the table.

However, many of these first courses could indeed make wonderful accompaniments in the American sense. For example, in Spain, the classic La Mancha stew, a simple blend of tomatoes and peppers, is often served with fried or scrambled eggs as a first course for lunch or dinner, but it would go well with grilled fish or meat as a side dish, too.

And the versatility of these dishes, despite their prescribed place on the Spanish menu, does not end there. Most of these first courses can be served as main courses by simply increasing the portion size.

Escalivada: Catalonians eat this dish as a first course or as an accompaniment to meats. The special characteristic of these roasted vegetables is their smoky flavor, since orthodoxy demands roasting them over embers (the Catalan word escalivar means 'to roast over ashes or embers'). I have prepared them in the oven with good results.Zarangollo, a simple dish, which combines the ubiquitous zucchini of Murcia with onions, is a favorite of Murcian cooks, who prepare it both with and without eggs.Menestra de verduras: Menestra is one of the irreplaceable dishes of Navarra cuisine. Menestra can be served as a side dish to fish or meat, or as a main course in its own.Sautéed Swiss Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts: In Catalonia, this is an everyday first course, with spinach sometimes standing in for the Swiss chard. Cooks in the Balearic Islands combine these same ingredients to make the filling for cocarrois, their traditional vegetable turnovers. Sauteed Piquillo peppers: Piquillo peppers require little extra work because they are already roasted and bursting with flavor straight out of the jar. I often serve them as a side dish with meats, sautéing them in olive oil, garlic, and a little milk.

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