About the Cuisine

There are dishes that are customarily served during certain holidays that are
unique. Some are unique to specific countries, or regions, too. Here are a few
examples:
Paella is served in Spain during the springtime festival, Las Fallas. It has rice, meat
or fish, saffron, paprika, and a variety of other spices.
Churros are served most commonly as breakfast and snacks in Spain. They are a
fried pastry in stick (or twisted) shape. Some are filled with fruit or chocolate, like
the USA version of a jelly-filled doughnut.
Mantecados and polvorones are almond cakes, and turrn is candy made from
almonds and honey. All are Christmas tradition in Spain, specifically in the southern
regions.
Tortillas are more like omelettes in Spain, compared to the fried flatbread we're
used to hearing about from Mexico (or other Central and South American countries).
Jamn serrano is country ham and has varieties that are sweet, spicey, or slightly
pink (raw).
Flan in the USA is a kind of tart, but in Spain and much of the rest of the Spanish
speaking countries it is a custard desert with soft caramel on top.
Gazpacho is a cold Spanish breadsoup. There are several varieties of gazpacho- all
depend on the tradition of the area or family. Sometimes it has tomato as an
ingredient, but not always. It is usually served with meat or a hard-boiled egg.
Horchata is a drink made with either almonds or rice. It is usually served warm (not
chilled, but at room temperature).
Tamales aren't Spanish in origin. Tamales are Native American in origin. They are
made of steam cooked cornmeal wrapped in corn husks or platanos skins.
Depending on the availability, tamales will have some meat or chili inside. Sweet or
desert-like tamales will have raisins or other fruit added.
Pltanos are servered in Central and South America. They are relatives of the
banana but are starchier. Usually they are fried and served as a side dish.
Burritos are from Mexico made with flour tortillas wrapped around refried beans,
rice, meat, fish, cheese, tomatos, chili, or other fillers. The USA version isn't much
different, but is very popular.