Cooking Chorizos

"Cooking" chorizos are fantastic for the barbeque, especially the mini versions which can be cooked by the string, separated and served either hot or cold on cocktail sticks. Bite-sized sausages and perfect tapas.

Over a hot BBQ these mini chorizos don't take long either so throw them on first as an appetizer and enjoy while the chef deals with the marinaded chicken and pork! Mini chorizos are available in both hot and sweet varieties.



Well it is nearly summer....Enjoy with an ice cold Spanish beer



Summer BBQ recipes up and coming.

Serrano Ham Aperitif

So what is the best thing to drink with Serrano ham? Well, that all depends on who you ask! Some of the best chefs in the region will all give a different answer so; we know it is down to personal taste.

There is however, a general consensus that Red wine, Fino and Beer are the more complimentary three beverages that are best served up with a plate of Serrano ham.

Beer/Lager: Imagine that hot summers day or Spanish holiday when a cold draught beer is just the thing! The Serrano ham accompanies the beer (and vice versa) very well indeed. In, fact Serrano ham tapas are some of the most frequently served and with beer being the most popular drink during the summer it’s a perfect match...

Red Wine: A perfect pair? Red wine compliments thinly sliced Serrano ham very well indeed. As with cheese a good red helps conjure a treat for the senses. Rioja is popular but for this pairing any good red wine will do, no matter which region it is from or age. This combination also opens the door to invite olives and cheese into the equation, even a little olive oil, or perhaps some salted almonds too…? Lovely tapas.



White wine: White wine is a less obvious drink to be enjoyed with Serrano ham. In summer though a cool glass of white wine goes down well with slices of ham. Serrano ham salads for example are popular in the summer with white wine for a light lunch. The pair together do compliment each other; with the addition of some olives a real summer flavour can be produced. Young white Riojas work best.


Fino/Manzanilla: We found these two Spanish specialities to be by far the most popular choice. Ice cold “fino” or manzanilla sherry wine goes with sliced Serrano ham like nothing else. The combination of flavours work so well that even after a good red wine it should be an easy decision for the future! Fino and manzanilla work well with the majority of Spanish cured meats, why not indulge and serve up some cured lomo tenderloin along side your Serrano ham with a drizzle of olive oil… Perfection.



Brandy: Brandy does deserve a mention here although it is not an obvious one. A good cognac does compliment a strong ham but really comes into its own when cooking. Slow cooked brandy chicken with Serrano ham is a good example of some very agreeable Spanish flavours, the strength of the ham with the underlying tones of the cognac work exceptionally well.

Spanish Beer

Spanish beer with Spanish tapas... Its arguable that a good red wine accompanies the best of tapas, serrano ham, cheese etc this is quite true but a good Spanish beer also goes well with some famous tapas too. For example in Madrid it is popular to have a short beer with mojama (salted loin of tuna)

Here in the Granada region we have two "Alhambra's" - the famous palace and the beer, a prime example of a good Spanish beer is the Alhambra 1925 - goes down well with almost anything! Other examples are "Mahou" which comes in two strengths and of course there is always "Cruzcampo"...



Enjoy a beer this Christmas!

Spain Win Euro 2008

FIESTA! FIESTA! I wouldnt say we were avid football fans but recently as the Euro 2008 tournament built up with Spain winning again and again the sheer enthusiasm of the locals and a few Spanish friends became infectious...

Then when they beat Germany 1-0 in the final the whole country went crazy. There will be quite a few "bald" Spaniards today - around 20,000 in fact who vowed to cut off all their hair if Spain made and won the final!

In surrounding villages you could hear fireworks after the match came to a close and in true Spanish style the party went on long into the early hours...



So... to celebrate one of Spain's finest sporting acheivements we are giving away FREE Spanish beer with every serrano or iberico ham.



Missed the game? Perhaps some Cruzcampo, Mahou or Alhambra beer will liven up the replay... :-) Watch out for the forthcoming Special Offer.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE BEER!

Lamb with Beer

The village of Orce is popular for quite a few reasons. Most predominantly its cave dwellings. Below we have a photo of the sign "Cuevas de Orce" Yes! you can stay in a cave - a different kind of sleep altogether (bring the alarm clock)

There is also the food to enjoy....



To say "people come from miles around" may be an over used phrase in restaurant promotion but very applicable to "Bar Salero" The owner Alfredo, a long term resident of the village who cooks THE best lamb dishes in the region. In a future post we will find out how the local bread maker (and his ovens) assist in the making of Alfredo's Andalucian "Asado de Cordero" For now though something just as mouthwatering also served up in Bar Salero.



Lamb in Beer:

Slow Cooked Lamb in Beer....lovely!

A traditional, rustic Spanish dish which has been prepared the same way for generations, whether in a fine restaurant or at the home of the local shepherd. The result is succulent and tender lamb which melts in the mouth.

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 leg of lamb (xl)
Large can of San Miguel beer (or strong lager/beer)
Half litre of water
6-8 cloves of garlic

How to cook:

1. Place the lamb in a large oven proof dish, add the garlic (no need to peel) pour in the beer and water
2. Cook slowly in a low oven for about 2-2 ½ hours until the meat is cooked through.
3. Remove the lamb from the tray and leave to rest for a few minutes before slicing, it will probably fall off the bone and this is a good sign.
4. Squeeze the garlic out of their skins and mix with the juices.
5. Serve with sautéed potatoes and a generous helping of the juices.

ENJOY!