Spanish
Chunky Gazpacho
By Kathy Weiss
Eggplant, Potato and Pepper Casserole
Majorcans love to talk about the quality of their vegetables, and this dish of sautéd eggplant, potatoes and bell peppers in fresh tomato sauce, called tumbet, is one of their favorite creations. We suggest serving it with grilled fish or lamb chops, as Majorcans do.
Vegetable Couscous Paella
Saffron lends authenticity to this fragrant dish, which draws its inspiration from the paellas of Spain. Serve a green salad alongside, and uncork a bottle of Pinot Grigio.
Tuna and Potato Kebabs with Basque Tomato Sauce
Tuna, which is hearty enough to stand up to strong Spanish flavors, is particularly popular on the Iberian Peninsula. Dusted with paprika and served atop a sauce of tomatoes with bell peppers and ham, the kebabs make outstanding summertime eating. Pour a Spanish Rioja throughout, and present a caramel flan with berries to finish.
Andalusian Pork Rolls
A delicious tapa that is called flamenquines in Spanish. The precise origin of the name is unknown, but it is most certainly related to the term flamenco, which refers to any colorful dish native to Andalusia.
Flourless Lemon-Almond Cake
This Majorcan specialty is usually topped with homemade almond ice cream or ice milk, but purchased almond ice cream can also be used.
Marinated Tomatoes Teruel
Teruel is a city in the produce-rich region of Aragon in Spain. This salad is lovely on its own or as a side dish.
By Beth Sexton Stryker
Cabbage and White Bean Soup
Garbure
Don't be misled by the plain-looking appearance of this classic Basque soup; it is thoroughly satisfying and delicious.
Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 10 1/2 hr (includes soaking beans)
Chez Gladines' Basque-Style Scrambled Eggs
This Basque specialty consists of scrambled eggs garnished with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a slice of ham. The same Basquaise garnish may be prepared in advance and used for chicken and fish. Chez Gladines serves its pipérade with patates sautées — potatoes pan-fried in duck fat and seasoned with garlic and parsley.
By Daniel Young
Sherry Crema Catalana Ice Cream with Honeyed Figs
(Gelat de Crema Catalana i Xerès amb Mel i Figues)
The mellow, almond flavor of Amontillado Sherry works especially well in this rich, creamy dessert.
Maltese Chicken with Red Wine and Honey Gravy
At the beach in Malta, the locals eat fried rabbit, rather than burgers, with fries. I've adapted the recipe by using chicken and sweetening the gravy with a touch of honey.
Lemon and Rum Cheesecake with Strawberry Compote
Majorca, Spain
When this dessert is made on Majorca, rum-soaked raisins are baked on top. Here the filling is flavored with rum; then the cake is served with a strawberry compote.