"Castillian Gold": Spanish Saffron
| The Moors brought this unique spice to Spain. It is the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus. It is very expensive due to the labor-intensive way of harvesting the spice. Only three stigmas from the crocus are used. For every gram of saffron, it will take 170 flowers. The crocus blooms overnight in mid-October. To optimize the flavor, they are hand picked the same day. Then, the stigmas are spread and dried over charcoal fires. This gives it that deep smoky flavor. It is a very powerful spice so always use sparingly. At Comida España, we offer the best saffron from La Mancha. Go to: www.comidaespana.com and click on spices. |
 |
| Quick and easy tapa or side dish:  |
Pimientos en adobo or Marinated Roasted Red Peppers:
|
|
Peel garlic cloves and slice them into thin slices. In a saucepan over medium heat, add paprika to activate the spice, when you smell the initial aroma from the paprika, add approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the garlic for a quick sauté, about 2 to 3 minutes. Garlic should be tender with brown edges. Then, add the peppers to coat and mix the oil/garlic mixture. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. This can be served right away, or for added flavor, refrigerate for at least 2 hours covered. This can be served cold or room temperature after marinating. |
|
Off the beaten path: Looking for an unforgettable lodging experience when traveling to Spain? One option is staying in what’s call a Parador. Paradors are building such as castles or monasteries that have been converted into hotels. They are all over Spain and well worth the price. Go to www.paradores-spain.com to find out more. Another great resource for one of a kind lodging is Alastair Sawday’s “Special Places to Stay: Spain”. Published by Alastair Sawday Publishing. We stayed in the Muralla Ziri Boutique Apartments in Granada that is in the Andalusia section. It was set in a perfect location within walking distance to all of the sites. My copy of this guide is well worn from all of the times I have looked at all of the amazing places and I have only had the book a year! We can’t wait to go back to Spain and stay at a few of these recommended rooms. |
Celebrate National Heart month with Olive Oil! According the American Heart Association, olive oil is the best choice of fat for your diet. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat. Research has shown that when used in moderation, it actually helps your heart health. An important health tip: Always buy “cold pressed” or “cold extraction” olive oil. This process insures the optimum health benefits that Olive oil has to offer. What’s new!  We just got a shipment of beautiful steel Paella Pans. There are two varieties: black steel and carbon steel. These pans are professional grade and have a limited lifetime guarantee. Go to our website:www.comidaespana.com for sizes and prices. |
