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Costa Brava Sea Urchins:
Hedgehogs of the Sea!
Sea urchins go by many monikers in Catalan: garotes, urissos, oriços, eriçons de mar (sea hedgehogs), but in Palafrugell they are garoines!
Sea urchins go by many monikers in Catalan: garotes, urissos, oriços, eriçons de mar (sea hedgehogs), but in Palafrugell they are garoines!
Although not as renowned for cheese as its northern neighbour, Spain has over 100 types of its own, with many fascinating regional varieties
Although not as renowned for cheese as its northern neighbour, Spain has over 100 types of its own, with many fascinating regional varieties
In recent years the craft beer scene has exploded throughout Spain, Catalunya included, with a growing variety of beer styles to choose from
DosKiwis Brewing of Rupià in El Baix Empordà is a fine example of the growth of craft brewing in Catalunya as beer tastes continue to change
Spanish wines are amongst the most widely consumed worldwide and certain Catalan wineries produce some of the finest wines in all the land.
Meatballs are a favourite all over Europe, and Spain is no exception. They are called “albóndigas” in Spanish, or “mandonguilles” in Catalan
Croquetas are as synonymous with Spanish cuisine as tapas or paella, and with a little patience, they’re pretty easy to prepare in almost any flavour you like.
A calçotada is basically a BBQ with lots of calçots and lots of meat. It’s great fun, even if a bit messy. Best not wear your best outfit!
Romesco sauce can be found at every calçotada and goes perfectly with both the calçots and the meat. Check out our recipe to make it at home
Tartiflette is an easy-to-cook French dish made with Reblochon cheese that originated in Savoie in the Alps. Perfect for chilly winter days!
Cured meat (charcutería) has evolved over centuries to become an integral part of traditional Spanish cuisine and is a true culinary delight
Gambas de Palamós is a mark of quality and authenticity guaranteeing that only the finest of prawns fished off the Palamós costa are served.
On the feast of Sant Esteban on the 26 of December (St. Stephen’s Day) there is no more typical a dish in Catalunya than canelones de carne.
Turrón, in its many forms, is a typical traditional Xmas treat all over Spain, but did you know it was originally brought here by the Moors?
The area around the Costa Brava town of Calonge is full of lovely walking trails that just so happen to take you by some excellent wineries.
What could be more seasonal – and delicious – around Thanksgiving time than pumpkin pie? And the good news is that it’s pretty easy to make!
Seasonal autumn chestnuts combine delightfully with chocolate in this delicious chestnut and chocolate pie, perfect around Castanyada time!
Even people who have never visited Spain have heard of “paella”, but did you know that there exists a whole plethora of Spanish rice dishes?
This easy-to-follow seafood paella recipe with prawns, mussels, clams & squid will have you producing delicious paella in your own home in no time.
Wild boar are nowadays seen as a pest, especially as their numbers are on the rise in Girona in the absence of their main predator, the wolf
Pumpkins & chestnuts are in season at the same time so a super easy delicious soup recipe with both as the star ingredients is a no-brainer.
Before you came to Spain you’d probably already heard of tapas. And maybe pintxos too? So, what exactly are they, and what’s the difference?
Fall is the ideal time of year for this simple yet delicious recipe as the key ingredients are in season – mushrooms, pumpkin, and even rice
When autumn rains begin to fall Catalans traditionally “hunt” mushrooms, and some of the best spots are in the Pyrenean foothills of Girona.
Have you ever been served the wrong coffee because you didn’t know how to order? Here’s our beginners’ guide to ordering coffee in Catalunya
There are lots of recipes using figs and this is one of the easiest. It takes almost no time at all and the ingredients are all easy to find
The “official” mojito recipe! And the tale of how it grew from its humble Caribbean origins to become one of the world’s favourite cocktails
One of the joys of life in Spain during the summer months is having a drink or bite to eat in those lovely beach bars known as chiringuitos.
When temperatures begin to rise in summer in Spain, it’s time to break out one of the most popular dishes of the season: Andalucian gazpacho.
Have you ever confused a ‘menú del día’ & ordering from ‘the menu’? The word “menu” is usually the cause of confusion, but really it’s easy!
What better way to get your Sunday off to a great start than with a pre-lunch “vermut” or two? No need to feel guilty, it’s the done thing!
One of the most common dishes to be found all over Spain is the tortilla, a thick omelette containing sliced potatoes sautéed in olive oil.
Chickpeas with spinach is especially typical of Sevilla, where it is eaten during the winter months. During Lent it is eaten all over Spain.
Artichokes (alcachofas) are in season December-March and this simple, delicious recipe, with chicken & beans is one lovely way to enjoy them
Spain is the world’s biggest producer of olives. In Spanish they’re referred to as either “olivas” or “aceitunas”. So what’s the difference?
It’s not always easy to find bars selling anything other than typical lager style beers. But we have found a few that are worth checking out
“Last call for alcohol!” Closing time in Spain can vary by region, day of the week, the season, or whether you’re in a city or a small town.
Ordering beer in a bar in Catalunya isn’t too complicated once you know how, but don’t expect things to be the same in every bar you go into
“Trencaclosques” is a free-range chicken farm near Forallac run by a Dutch couple who have been living in the Costa Brava region since 2005.
Escalivada is a roasted vegetable dish very traditional in Catalunya. Its name comes from a verb in Catalan meaning “to roast in the embers”
Local Catalan black pudding, or morcilla, prepared with apples in a brandy sauce – this simple recipe will really impress your dinner guests
Saffron chicken with green olives is a typical Moroccan dish of chicken pieces slow cooked with lemon juice, spices, garlic, onion & olives.
Nienke Abma has made Palafrugell her home. Originally from the Netherlands, she came to live in Catalunya after many years in many places!
The stunning Costa Brava almost has too many gorgeous beaches to count. We’ve made an attempt at picking the best from just El Baix Empordà.
John Swift comes from County Fermanagh, Ireland. Having lived for a number of years in the UK and the Middle East, he now calls Calonge home.
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