Thursday, December 31, 2015

January marks the beginning of Cider season in Spain!


Cider (the alcholic drink made from the fermentation of apples) is popular and easy to find worldwide. In Spain, there are several regions that make cider, the best known being Asturias, Basque Country, Navarra and La Rioja. 

The northern part of Navarra features a thousand-year tradition of making cider. Every year, mid January begins the cider season with the opening of the kupelas (barrels) and the celebration of the txotx (the opening of the first cider barrels). From that point on the flavors continue evolving until the season ends at the end of May.

Why not take in the festivities in a rural bed and breakfast and enjoy a deliciuos cider-inspired menu: Codfish omelette, a mouthwatering steak, cheese with nuts and quince.... a great plan for the winter!


1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Monday, December 21, 2015

The Christmas Bus in Madrid


Iluminación navideña vista desde el Bus de la Navidad

If you are going to be in Madrid anytime between December 3rd and January 4th 2016, we have a suggestion for you: the Christmas Bus of Madrid. This is a fun way not only to enjoy some of the most interesting sites of Madrid, but to drive through the streets decked in their Christmas lights and see all the Christmas decorations.

Itinerary: Plaza de Colón (Calle Serrano 30, only bus stop) – Calle Serrano – Puerta de Alcalá gate – Plaza de Cibeles – Calle Alcalá – Gran Vía – Calle de Jacometrezo – Calle San Bernardo – Gran Vía – Calle Serrano – Calle José Ortega y Gasset – Calle Velázquez – Calle Alcalá – Puerta de Alcalá gate – Calle Alcalá – Plaza de Cibeles – Calle Alcalá – Plaza de Colón (Calle Serrano 30, only stop).

You can also check out our Christmas Tour in Madrid
For more information you can contact us: 

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Friday, December 18, 2015

Migas Festival in Torrox (Malaga) and Andalusian Migas recipe

 

Each year, the Andalusian town of Torrox (45 minutes from Malaga and one of its famous 'white villages') pays tribute to its most typical dish: 'migas' (fried breadcrumbs). 

The ingredients and seasoning used to prepare 'migas' made it an ideal dish for people working on the land. When farm laborers were working in the vineyards and olive groves and lunchtime came, the farmer would ring a bell to let them know that the 'migas' were ready to eat. Today migas are a basic part of our recipe books as one of the dishes most suited to ward off the cold of the winter.

On the Sunday before Christmas, alongside La Almazara Market, the migas are prepared and distributed to all the local residents and visitors who come to Torrox. The ringing of the bell is the signal for everyone to come and collect their plate of  migas. A glass of wine and an 'arriera' salad (with cod and orange) accompany the meal, which takes place in a wonderful festive atmosphere. Later, the music and dancing continue in Plaza de la Constitución square. 

Don't miss the opportunity to come to Andalusia and enjoy this food festival. But if you can't make it, you can try making the dish at home to have one of the most traditional Spanish flavors.

Ingredients:

1kg bread (slightly stale, like yesterday's bread). Make sure it is a baguette or similar style.
300 gr of 'chorizo' (Spanish spicy sausage). If you can't get it, try using another spicy, dry-cured sausuage.
300 gr of pancetta.
Half a head of garlic cloves.
1 1/2 cups Spanish olive oil.
1/2 liter water.
Salt.

Instructions:

'Las migas' are very easy to make, but you have to prepare the ingredients the day before! Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to make it:

  1. Break the bread apart into bite-sized crumbs and put all the crumbs in a bowl, adding water and a pinch of salt, and let it sit overnight. 
  2. The following day, peel and slightly crush the garlic so that they are open, then fry them in a frying pan until they are a gold color. Put them aside.  
  3. Using the same oil you used to fry the garlic, cook the pancetta, having previously cut it into cubes, and the chorizo.  Put it aside.  
  4. Still using the same pan, now it's time to fry the bread crumbs over a low heat, so that it saoks in the flavors of the garlic and pancetta.  
  5. After about a half an hour, add the garlic, chorizo and pancetta to the bread crumbs. Continue stirring over low heat for 15 - 20 minutes more.  
Buen provecho!



Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

The Christmas Spanish 'Wish Machine'

A few days ago I received a cute email from the Tourist Office of Spain in New York. I don't want to tell you anything else, just click on the image and make a wish!




Thursday, December 03, 2015

Christmas deserts and sweets in Spain

One of the things that everyone looks forward to during the Christmas season are the Christmas sweets! As we've said before, Spain might be a small country but each region is like a country unto itself. The food is merely a reflection of the great variety of cultures that exist here. Christmas in Spain is another reflection of that. Christmas is celebrated differently depending on the region you are in. A great example of this: Christmas sweets! Let's take a look at a few of the most typical and traditional ones:

Mantecados from Vitoria.
Characterized by kneading the dough with lard. 

Marzipan from Toledo.

Pan de Cádiz.
This is a marzipan treat filled with candied fruit that is
also called the 'Turrón de Cádiz'. 

Polvorones de almendra from Seville.
Almond shortbread. 

Roscón de Reyes from Madrid.
Although this dessert is now widespread throughout Spain, in Madrid they prefer it
with a whipped cream filling. It is traditionally eaten for 3 Kings Day,
on January 6 after the family dinner. 

Tronco de Navidad from Barcelona. The Christmas Log.
This cake is rolled with chocolate in the shape of a
tree trunk, remeniscent of another Catalan Christmas tradition:
'Caga Tio'. A few days before Christmas, the kids gather around a
big log covered by a blanket. The blanket hides gifts for the children.
They sing a traditional song while they beat the log with a stick
and then discover that the log (tió) has left them presents. 

Turrón from Alicante.
Although its origins are in Alicante, turron is now eaten
throughout Spain. This traditional sweet is a hard nougat
(you break it apart with a pestle or something similar)
and it's main ingredient is almonds. 
1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Christmas Shopping in Spain

Over the last few days we've been getting you ready for the Christmas seaon with our Christmas Tours in Barcelona and Madrid, And the season is almost upon us! All the cities and towns around Spain are starting to make their Christmas preparations. The streets are adorned with the traditional Christmas lights, the shops are beginning to decorate, the cold weather has arrived.... Spain doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving so everything is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Even though in Spain we have the bad habit of leaving the Christmas shopping for the last minute, the cities are doing their part to change that, especially in the last few years. There are more and more of the smaller, alternative "mercadillos" (Christmas markets) that, from very different and unique settings, flip the switch on for the Christmas season. 

In this case we're talking about the Christmas Market that will take place this coming Sunday, November 29, in the Botanical Gardens of La Concepción, in Malaga. There is free entry to the market.

Aside from the Christmas Market, there are also activities for children, a food truck, and a visit from the "castañera" (a woman who sells chestnuts who is tightly bound to the culture and traditions of the autumn as well as the world of literature). 

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Christmas tour in Madrid, Spain

From December 1st to January 6th we have designed a special Christmas Tour in Madrid.

This is a 3 hour walking tour of Madrid city center where you will discover some of the most important and interesting sites in Madrid and will stop in a couple of churches and convents to visit the Nativity scenes exhibited inside. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how Spanish people celebrate Christmas, the New Year and the Three Kings Day celebration while we take you around the different shops in one of the most important Christmas markets in Madrid.

This tour includes: a private English-speaking guide and a pick up at your hotel.

Christmas market in Madrid

Christmas decorations

Nativity scene

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Christmas tours in Barcelona, Spain

We have designed 3 special Christmas tours in Barcelona, where you will discover some of the most important and interesting sites in Barcelona and the surrounding areas. Learn more about how Spanish people celebrate Christmas and the different traditions Catalans have during this time of the year! 

1. Enjoy a Medieval Christmas Market Tour
From December 5th to December 8th, you can enjoy a private tour in Vic, an hour outside Barcelona where every year one of the most anticipated markets in Catalonia takes place. It is a stage that recreates medieval times, with music and street plays and a wide range of activities for visitors. The re-creation of the medieval crafts is also a classic. You will enjoy stalls and demonstrations of these craftsmen and exhibitions of raptors such as eagles, falcons, vultures and owls.




2. Private Christmas Market and the Nativity Christmas Tour in Barcelona
From December 1st to January 6th, join us as we take you on a route through the streets of Barcelona to show you the most traditional, interesting and unique aspects of Christmas in the city. You will learn about the history and traditions that surround the Christmas season, visit a Christmas market and a nativity scene, and have the chance to sample traditional Christmas sweets.

Christmas Market in Barcelona

Learn more about the Catalan Christmas Traditions

Learn more about the Catalan Christmas Traditions

Visit the Nativity Scenes

3. The Living Nativity Tour in Barcelona

Enjoy one of the most important and oldest living nativity scenes, set up every year since 1962 just 45 minutes outside of Barcelona. It is a living representation of the birth of Jesus in an incomparable setting that makes this nativity scene one of the most magical. The representations are shown in the evenings from November 30th through January 12th.

Optionals:

  • Before visiting the Living Nativity, take the opportunity to visit the modernista Colònia Güell and its crypt, designed by Gaudi. Check out more information about Colònia Güell
  • While you are there, enjoy a special lunch or dinner where you can try some of the most traditional Christmas dishes of the region





1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Christmas tours in Spain (from December 1st to January 6th)

One of the most wonderful things about travelling is discovering other cultures, their traditions and their local festivials. That's why we always try to include that cultural touch in our tours that makes a trip unforgettable.

During the Christmas season (from December 1st to January 6th), we have designed some special tours in Spain that will help you discover Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia and about how Spanish people celebrate Christmas, the New Year and the Three Kings Day celebration.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF MADRID (3 HOURS)

THE LIVING NATIVITY TOUR

BARCELONA CHRISTMAS MARKET, TRADITIONS AND NATIVITY TOUR

MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS MARKET TOUR
Let us know if you also need accommodation, a rental car or any other service in for your trip to Spain. We can take care of every detail of your vacation. 

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Monday, November 16, 2015

Navarra, a great stop in Spain!

When we design an itinerary for a trip to Spain we always look to add some great, out-of-the-way stops along the way. For example, if it's your first time in Spain and you want to visit Barcelona and the Basque Country, a great stop could be Navarra. Navarra offers enchanting towns, magnificent castles, spectacular landscapes and a wide offer for all the foodies!

Take 30 seconds to see some of the things you can enjoy in Navarra and contact us if you want us to design your trip to Spain!

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Bardenas Reales, Navarra


Pamplona Cathedral, Navarra

Olite Castle, Navarra

De la Reina Bridge, Navarra

Roncesvalles, Navarra

Xorroxin, Navarra

Monday, October 19, 2015

Calamari 'A la romana' recipe

The other day we were talking about the Calamari Food Festival and our Seafood Tour in Barcelona during October and I have been thinking since then about having some for lunch! So I did. Today I want to share with you a receipe that can be part of a tapas lunch or dinner or you can also prepare it as a main course: Calamari 'A la romana' .


This is a very easy recipe to prepare but delicious at the same time.

Ingredients:

Calamari (I bought three medium sized)
4 cups flour
2 eggs
Olive oil
Salt
A lemon

Directions:


  • Clean the calamari. In the fishmarket in Spain you buy fresh calamari but they can clean it for you if you ask for it. Clean it without opening it or cutting it! Rinse it with cold water.

  • Once it is clean, cut the head in rings. Don't cut the legs. 
  • Mix the calamari with the flour. 

  • Prepare a sausepan and add olive oil. Be generous! Let the oil get hot. 
  • Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and soak them.

  • Add the calamari rings in the hot oil and let them cook both sides. 
  • Serve still hot and add lemon juice on top!



Bon profit!



Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Saffron Tour in Spain and the Saffron Rose Festival



Today I want to give you three different reasons why you have to go to Castilla-la Mancha during October:

  1. Until October 25th you have the chance to enjoy the annual Saffron Rose Festival in the town of Consuegra. 
  2. The saffron flowering period has started! Wide violet fields inundate the plains of Toledo, Cuenca, Ciudad Real and Albacete. 
  3. Right now you have the perfect weather to visit Castilla-la Mancha!
Castilla-la Mancha has a very distinctive landscape and character from the rest of Spain. Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit this incredible region just an hour outside of Madrid city. 


You can also check out more information about our Saffron Tour or you can contact us for more information!


1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Friday, October 16, 2015

Cervantes Week: a plan to enjoy Madrid in October


From October 3 to October 24 the city of Alcalá de Henares, in Madrid, pays tribute to its most illustrious figure: Miguel de Cervantes, the author of "The Ingenious Gentlemen Don Quixote of La Mancha". Two of the highlight events are the 'Cervantes Gastronomic Festival' and the 'Quixote Market'. Contact us for more information!

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Seafood tour in Barcelona during October

Galicia is famous for its seafood and fish, but if you are around Barcelona or Girona during October, you can also enjoy the fruits of the sea. Here are a couple of great ideas for you to do:

  • Enjoy the Calamari Food Festival ('Jornades Gastronòmiques del Calamarenys'). Enjoy various ways to prepare this classic Mediterranean dish, including: a la romana (breaded and fried), a l'Andalusa (lightly fried), stuffed, or simply grilled. The calamar (squid) is the star of this festival, where restaurants from 10 different towns in the Maresme area, just a half hour north of Barcelona, are participating from October 2nd to October 31st. 
  • Visit a Fish Market (Llotja). All along the Catalan coast the fish markets welcome the boats from their daily fishing trips. The catch is auctioned off as it arrives. It's a show unto itself, and a great way to track the freshest fish!
  • Visit the Boqueria Market in Barcelona and sign up for a tapas workshop where you will learn how to prepare a paella



 

1580 E. Butler Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
Toll free: 1-888-480-0013
E-mail: info@thespanishtouch.com