A lifetime of encounters with Spain.
Posted in Migas, Un Sabor de España on Aug 25th, 2011
Yesterday a wonderful gentleman from Spain came to our store especially to get some of our great firm lentils from Asturias along with some morcilla black sausage. In the course of a fascinating conversation about his homeland he shared a recipe from his grandmother
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Sep 13th, 2010
Have you ever given a second thought to a bar of soap? It has a fascinating role to play in Spanish history where soap was first shunned by Christians as a sign of unfaithfulness, and later became one of Castile’s proudest contributions to courtly life. Although not used in Europe, soap was known in the [...]
This two part video is an excellent presentation prepared by my friend Han de Roos who provides La Tienda with Can Solivera Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Wild Olive Oil by Can Solivera and the exquisite Can Solivera Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap.
Posted in Migas, Reflections on Spain on Dec 18th, 2009
‘Spaniard’ comes for the French Espanyard when referring to a person from Spain, which is fine. The term was bastardized by the British, in particular the navy, when referring to their Spanish galleon combatants, in particular in the context ” dirty Spaniard’.
For those in the know, it is a derogatory term, no different than those used to identify various ethnic and religious identities throughout the world.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Dec 3rd, 2009
One of the ironic accidents of history, which occur when rival cultures intermingle for centuries, is that the classic sweets for Navidad – the celebration of the birth of Christ, are Moorish, or Islamic, confections. I think it is a happy natural convergence when people learned to live with one another.
For today, and for centuries past, virtually all of the traditional Christmas treats served in Spanish homes are variations of almonds, honey, and sugar whose origin comes from the Moorish confections of the Islamic era of Andalucía.
Posted in Amigos, Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Mar 15th, 2006
Hans and Daida’s greatest love is the olive oil from Spain. When they settled into their new estate, Can Solivera, they planted a grove of arbequina olive trees and personally nurtured their growth. Through their own toil and the blessing of a favorable micro-climate, they produce a sublime extra virgin olive oil, and, in addition, an organic wild olive oil produced using the medieval style of pressing the olives. They bring home the fruit of their labor and actually put it into individual bottles.
