Archive | Valencia RSS feed for this section

Spain Inspired

12 Apr
Penelope Cruz & Scarlett Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Vadoinmessico*
Carmen
Gaudi, Park Guell
Mymu Espadrilles
Gaudi, La Pedrera


After a perfect week in Valencia, my honey and I spent the rest of the summer trying to recapture some of that Spanish sol in dreary Dublin, working tirelessly (sans siestas) to perfect this Sangria recipe. Somebody had to do it!

Ingredients:

  • Rioja, fine Spanish, 1 bottle
  • Orange Juice, fresh squeezed, 1 liter
  • Ginger Ale, 1 bottle
  • Grand Marnier, Peach Schnapps, and Brandy, dashes
  • Pineapple, 1 sliced
  • Apple, 2 diced

Sangria

  • Combine Red Wine, Orange Juice, and Ginger Ale.
  • Add dashes of Grand Marnier, Peach Schnapps, and Brandy if so inclined.
  • Complement with diced pineapple and apple.
  • Salud!

Madrid is one of my favorite cities in the world. I just love strolling through the bustling paseos, relaxing in the shade at El Retiro, and dining al fesco at midnight. After a day at The Prado with heavies like Goya and El Greco, Churros con Chocolate is requisite fare to lighten the mood!

Ingredients:

  • Olive Oil, enough for frying
  • Water, 1 cup
  • Butter, 1/2 cup
  • Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
  • Sugar, 1/4 cup + 4 tablespoons
  • All-Purpose Flour, 1 cup
  • Eggs, 3 large
  • Cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon
  • Dark Chocolate, 4 ounces
  • Cream, 2 cups
  • Corn Starch, 1 tablespoon

Churros:

  • Heat water, butter, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar to a rolling boil.
  • Add sieved flour and stir until mixture comes together.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Beat eggs then add to mixture, stirring constantly.
  • Place mixture in cake decorator bag with large star attachment.
  • Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
  • Squeeze strips of dough onto hot oil and fry until golden brown.
  • Dust with Sugar and Cinnamon.

Chocolate:

  • Heat chocolate, 4 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup cream in sauce pan until melted.
  • Dissolve cornstarch in 1 cup cream and add to mixture.
  • Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth.
  • Remove from heat and serve with piping hot churros.
  • Buen Provecho!

*Vadoinmessico is one of my new favorites coming out of SXSW. The band is from Italy, Austria, and Mexico and is based in London. I tend to love international groups like this- Gotan Project comes to mind. In Spain is my new Spring jam!