According to http://www.europeanproperty.com/localinfo/es/andalucia.php "if Spain has many regions and provinces that can be considered as historical, Andalucia would be on top of the list. In history, the region has been known as cradles to the rise of many early civilizations like the Tartessians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Vandals and Visigoths. The region also had once served as host venues for the activities of various foreign civilizations like the Arabs, Moors and Roman. Andalucia is a distinct autonomous region of Spain. The region is known to the most thickly populated region and the also the second biggest in terms of land area."
The region of Andalucia is made up of 8 independent provinces. These provinces are Almeria, Malaga, Jaen, Huelva, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, and Seville. Seville is the capital of the region.
Climate
Andalucia is sunny all year round. Midday temperatures in spring and autumn are around 30ºC. July and August temperatures are usually around 40ºC and also more inland according to http://www.coloursofspain.com/travelguidedetail/16/andalucia_andalusia/weather/. December and January temperatures around the coast can reach 20 to 25ºC
Economy/livelihood
According to http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/andalucia/default.htm#Economy "More than 50% of the working population is now employed in the service sector, reflecting just how important tourism is to the region’s economy. Additionally, the building industry has in recent years been thriving, which has helped slightly reduce Andalucía’s high unemployment rate. Agriculture, mainly grain, vegetables, olives, fruits, wine and cotton, is still important – especially in the fertile plains of the Guadalquivir valley. The large scale immigration of permanent residents from more northerly parts of Europe has had a mixed impact on the economy. Obviously it has brought in much needed revenue but it has also pushed house prices up for local people – in an area where the average income per person is well below the national average. Additionally, as many newcomers have not officially registered as permanent dwellers here – they have often had a negative impact on local services and amenities."
Culture of region
According to http://www.visitaspain.com/en/andalucia/culture_andalouse "Andalusia is an area of Spain which strongly maintains the traditions; If you pass by this area, you must discover the Andalusian culture: maybe while tasting with the gastronomy of Andlucia, to attend a bullfight, or to risk themselves with a dance of Flamenco: Viva Espanya! La bull-fighting is a tradtition in Andalusia. Some regard this practice not as a sport but as an art: The period of the bullfights begins about on June, the 19th (Saint-Joseph) and finishes about on October the 12th (national festival). The clothes of the matador are very symbolic, just like the muleta (red fabric) which must be impeccables.
Autre tradition Andalouse, **flamenco!**flamenco represents at the same time a song like a dance, which is supposed to bring a certain emotion to us, the audience must be able to feel this emotion which the dancer tries to transmit to us when he dances and sings. Flamenco is supposed to surprise you throughout the dance. It is a dance of gipsies at the base. What is amazing, it is to see the contrast between the dance which is rather abrupt, but the movements of the body are completely flexible, and you cannot remain incensible! The Andalucian cuisine is one of the principal attractions for this area: impossible not to go at least once in a restaurant of tapas, with sometimes you have to chosse between more than one hundred different tapas! you cannot also missing the famous gazpacho which is the andalucian speciality , a cold soup, with the base of tomatoes, olive oil, and onions. But also the famous jamon of the area: the Iberico Jamon, jamon serrano. One can say that the inhabitants of Andalusia are welcoming people but like everywhere in Spain, they really don(t take in count the schedules and the punctuality of it…. The Catholic religion still has a great influence in Andalusia, and the inahbitants of the regio are very religious.
Food
According to http://www.spanish-web.com/food/andalucia/ "Andalucia is a huge region of Spain representing one sixth of the country and forming the whole of the south from Huelva to Almeria.
With five of the provinces being on the edge of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, fish dishes are a speciality. A variety of fish is baked in salt such as sea bass, mullet and bream. Being cooked in this way retains all the flavour and only absorbs the salt it needs.
Fish soups are very popular also shellfish such as prawns, crab, clams, and mussels.
It is also known for its chilled soups such as GAZPACHO, made with onions, tomatoes, peppers and cumin, also AJO BLANCO made with local grapes and garlic.
SERRANO HAM which is cured in the cold air of the Sierras, hence its name, is eaten with bread and used to flavour many local dishes. COCIDOS, stew, is when everything is cooked in a pot with as many as 6 different kinds of vegetables such as chard, cabbage, broad beans, peas, and green beans, to name a few, depending on the time of the year, apart from the traditional meat and pork.
A variety of game is used in recipes including venison, partridge, rabbit and wild boar also lamb and chicken.
In Jerez de la Frontera where sherry is made a local dish called RINONES AL JEREZ, kidneys cooked in a sherry sauce, is regularly served.
The Moorish influence which is strong all over Andalucia is included here also with the desserts. YEMAS, candied eggs, TOCIO DE CIELO, a jelly of syrup and egg yolks and little cakes known as ALFAJORES made with almonds."
2-3 recipes with pictures of finished dish/ingredients etc
Beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar gradually, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and lemon rind.
2
Sift together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until thoroughly combined.
3
Drop the batter by small spoonfuls onto well buttered baking sheets. Leave enough space between the cookies because they will spread.
4
Bake in a 350 degrees oven 15 minutes. Immediately remove from the baking sheets and let cool.
5
When cool, spread some Dulce de leche on the bottom half of the cookies and make a sandwich with the remaining cookies. Squeeze the sandwiches so that some of the dulce de leche is squeezed out the sides, and roll the sides in the grated coconut.
Active Time: 30 Minutes Total Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes Yield: 12 servings
This classic tapas combination of cured ham, bread and tomato is eaten in many forms all over Spain. Here, tomatoes are slow-roasted into a sweet, garlicky spread and served on top of crisped bread with thin slices of ham.
Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the roasted tomatoes (Steps 1-2) for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
1 whole-grain baguette, cut into 24 slices, or 12 pieces whole-grain bread, cut in half
6 ounces thinly sliced serrano ham (about 24 slices; see Ingredient Note)
DIRECTIONS
To prepare tomatoes: Preheat oven to 300°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise and place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each half with 1/8 teaspoon garlic oil and some oregano and salt. Roast for 2 hours. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop tomatoes and transfer (with juices) to a serving bowl.
To assemble tapas: Shortly before serving, preheat oven to 350°F.
Place bread on a baking sheet and brush with some of the remaining garlic oil. Bake until slightly crispy, but not hard, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. To serve, arrange the bread on a large platter with Serrano ham and the bowl of tomato mixture for spreading.
Name of the region:
Andalucia. Andalucia is located in spain. It is located in the South of Spain.
Location/map:
Located in Spain
http://www.travel2andalusia.com/Maps/large-andalucia.jpg
Geographic features
According to http://www.europeanproperty.com/localinfo/es/andalucia.php "if Spain has many regions and provinces that can be considered as historical, Andalucia would be on top of the list. In history, the region has been known as cradles to the rise of many early civilizations like the Tartessians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Vandals and Visigoths. The region also had once served as host venues for the activities of various foreign civilizations like the Arabs, Moors and Roman. Andalucia is a distinct autonomous region of Spain. The region is known to the most thickly populated region and the also the second biggest in terms of land area."
The region of Andalucia is made up of 8 independent provinces. These provinces are Almeria, Malaga, Jaen, Huelva, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, and Seville. Seville is the capital of the region.
Climate
Andalucia is sunny all year round. Midday temperatures in spring and autumn are around 30ºC. July and August temperatures are usually around 40ºC and also more inland according to http://www.coloursofspain.com/travelguidedetail/16/andalucia_andalusia/weather/. December and January temperatures around the coast can reach 20 to 25ºC
Economy/livelihood
According to http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/andalucia/default.htm#Economy "More than 50% of the working population is now employed in the service sector, reflecting just how important tourism is to the region’s economy. Additionally, the building industry has in recent years been thriving, which has helped slightly reduce Andalucía’s high unemployment rate. Agriculture, mainly grain, vegetables, olives, fruits, wine and cotton, is still important – especially in the fertile plains of the Guadalquivir valley. The large scale immigration of permanent residents from more northerly parts of Europe has had a mixed impact on the economy. Obviously it has brought in much needed revenue but it has also pushed house prices up for local people – in an area where the average income per person is well below the national average. Additionally, as many newcomers have not officially registered as permanent dwellers here – they have often had a negative impact on local services and amenities."
Culture of region
According to http://www.visitaspain.com/en/andalucia/culture_andalouse
"Andalusia is an area of Spain which strongly maintains the traditions; If you pass by this area, you must discover the Andalusian culture: maybe while tasting with the gastronomy of Andlucia, to attend a bullfight, or to risk themselves with a dance of Flamenco: Viva Espanya!
La bull-fighting is a tradtition in Andalusia. Some regard this practice not as a sport but as an art: The period of the bullfights begins about on June, the 19th (Saint-Joseph) and finishes about on October the 12th (national festival). The clothes of the matador are very symbolic, just like the muleta (red fabric) which must be impeccables.
Autre tradition Andalouse, **flamenco!**flamenco represents at the same time a song like a dance, which is supposed to bring a certain emotion to us, the audience must be able to feel this emotion which the dancer tries to transmit to us when he dances and sings. Flamenco is supposed to surprise you throughout the dance. It is a dance of gipsies at the base. What is amazing, it is to see the contrast between the dance which is rather abrupt, but the movements of the body are completely flexible, and you cannot remain incensible!
The Andalucian cuisine is one of the principal attractions for this area: impossible not to go at least once in a restaurant of tapas, with sometimes you have to chosse between more than one hundred different tapas! you cannot also missing the famous gazpacho which is the andalucian speciality , a cold soup, with the base of tomatoes, olive oil, and onions. But also the famous jamon of the area: the Iberico Jamon, jamon serrano.
One can say that the inhabitants of Andalusia are welcoming people but like everywhere in Spain, they really don(t take in count the schedules and the punctuality of it…. The Catholic religion still has a great influence in Andalusia, and the inahbitants of the regio are very religious.
Food
According to http://www.spanish-web.com/food/andalucia/ "Andalucia is a huge region of Spain representing one sixth of the country and forming the whole of the south from Huelva to Almeria.
With five of the provinces being on the edge of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, fish dishes are a speciality. A variety of fish is baked in salt such as sea bass, mullet and bream. Being cooked in this way retains all the flavour and only absorbs the salt it needs.
Fish soups are very popular also shellfish such as prawns, crab, clams, and mussels.
It is also known for its chilled soups such as GAZPACHO, made with onions, tomatoes, peppers and cumin, also AJO BLANCO made with local grapes and garlic.
SERRANO HAM which is cured in the cold air of the Sierras, hence its name, is eaten with bread and used to flavour many local dishes. COCIDOS, stew, is when everything is cooked in a pot with as many as 6 different kinds of vegetables such as chard, cabbage, broad beans, peas, and green beans, to name a few, depending on the time of the year, apart from the traditional meat and pork.
A variety of game is used in recipes including venison, partridge, rabbit and wild boar also lamb and chicken.
In Jerez de la Frontera where sherry is made a local dish called RINONES AL JEREZ, kidneys cooked in a sherry sauce, is regularly served.
The Moorish influence which is strong all over Andalucia is included here also with the desserts. YEMAS, candied eggs, TOCIO DE CIELO, a jelly of syrup and egg yolks and little cakes known as ALFAJORES made with almonds."
2-3 recipes with pictures of finished dish/ingredients etc
ALFAJORES (this recipe comes from http://www.recipezaar.com/Alfajores-De-Maizena-298414)
SERVES 12 -16 (change servings and units)
Ingredients
Directions
1
Beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar gradually, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and lemon rind.2
Sift together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until thoroughly combined.3
Drop the batter by small spoonfuls onto well buttered baking sheets. Leave enough space between the cookies because they will spread.4
Bake in a 350 degrees oven 15 minutes. Immediately remove from the baking sheets and let cool.5
When cool, spread some Dulce de leche on the bottom half of the cookies and make a sandwich with the remaining cookies. Squeeze the sandwiches so that some of the dulce de leche is squeezed out the sides, and roll the sides in the grated coconut.Serrano Ham with Crusty Tomato Bread
(this recipe comes from http://www.cooking.com/Recipes-And-More/RecDetail.aspx?rid=9900)Total Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the roasted tomatoes (Steps 1-2) for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Cite all sources in MLA format
Unknown, "Andalucia information, Spain." European Property. 2006. 20 Jan 2009 <http://www.europeanproperty.com/localinfo/es/andalucia.php>.
Unknown, "Andalucia." travel guide results. 20 Jan 2009 <http://www.coloursofspain.com/travelguidedetail/16/andalucia_andalusia/weather/>.
Unknown, "Andalucia Information." Andalucia Information. 25 Jan 2009 http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/andalucia/default.htm#Economy.
Unknown, "Andalucian culture." Visita Spain. 25 Jan 2009 http://www.visitaspain.com/en/andalucia/culture_andalouse.
Unknown, "Food Associated with the Region of Andalucia, southern Spain ." spanish-web.com. 25 Jan 2009 <http://www.spanish-web.com/food/andalucia/>.
BlondieItaliana, "Alfajores De Maizena." Recipe Zaar. 15 APR 2008. 25 Jan 2009 <http://www.recipezaar.com/Alfajores-De-Maizena-298414>.
EatingWell Magazine , "Serrano Ham with Crusty Tomato Bread." cooking.com. 15 APR 2008. 25 Jan 2009 <http://www.cooking.com/Recipes-And-More/RecDetail.aspx?rid=9900>.
No Wikipedia
Use Flickr Storm for images
WEBSITE TO BUY HAM:
http://www.hotpaella.com/Departments/Spanish-Food/Jamon-Iberico-and-Serrano.aspx?OVRAW=what%20is%20serrano%20ham%3F&OVKEY=serrano%20ham&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=32850273022&OVKWID=148044971522&ysmwa=NfFtnkDYgbnm4bPcJlgBr-MivnH6WkvUvwIIzvrZOCWHLFnDH9RZXW8PiU_3iQcK