Journey To A Dream

Note from the editor – This week’s Some-day Supplement is a Food & Drinks Special In additional to our regular features, guest cook Elle Draper shares two mouthwatering recipes taken from her recently released cook book ‘Spain Recipes’. But first … 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canabal Cuisine presents – Melanie’s classic white loaf recipe

Ingredients
 
450gms Strong plain flour
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
15gms butter
2 teaspoons dried yeast
300ml lukewarm water
Milk or beaten egg for brushing

Method
 
Dissolve the sugar in the lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top. Leave to stand for 10 minutes.
Sift the flour and salt.
Rub in the butter.
Add the liquid to the flour. Mix together to form a firm dough.
Knead on a floured board for about 10 minutes. Return the dough to the bowl and cover with a greased plastic bag or the mixing bowl. Leave to rise in a warm place until it’s doubled in size.
Pre-heat the oven 230°C
Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead until firm.
Grease a loaf tin. Shape the dough and place in the tin. Cover with a cloth and leave to rise until double in size.
Brush with beaten egg or milk.
Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the loaf shrinks away from the tin.
Turn out onto a wire cooling rack. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now for the first recipe from Elle Draper - Buñuelos de queso (Cheese balls)
 
Buñuelos de queso are bite-sized buns of flavour and thankfully are really easy to make (if a little heavy on arm work). So give these a go, but beware... they're not kind to your waistline.
 
You can deep-fry these babies instead of oven baking... but obviously that's not as healthy. But who cares?! Just do them in batches and drain them well on kitchen paper before serving. The photo shows them fried.

Ingredients (makes a good batch)

• 100g butter, cubed
• 100g of strong cheese such as Cheddar or Manchego - grated
• 4 eggs plus an extra yolk - lightly beaten
• 500ml water
• Teaspoon mustard - smooth not grainy OR half a teaspoon of mustard powder
• Teaspoon of pimiento picante OR 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 240g plain flour

 
Method

• Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas mark 7
• Put the water, butter and salt (if using) in the saucepan and bring to the boil
• Okay - now this bit needs to be quick...
• Tip the flour into the boiling liquid and stir like a banshee with the wooden spoon
• It will firm up - keep stirring
• Gradually add the eggs, ensuring it mixes well
• Now add the mustard, pimenton and the cheese
• Keep stirring!!!!
• If your arm gets tired, yell for reinforcements.
• Once it's all melted in and well mixed, take it off the heat
• Put spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased baking trays and pop in the oven
• Bake for 15 minutes
• Now turn the heat down and continue baking for around 10 to 15 minutes or until browned
• Wolf these bad boys down the same day.

For more information on Elle’s recipes, follow these links:
To Buy the Spain Buddy Recipe Book: http://www.spainbuddy.com/the-spain-buddy-recipes-book
The Spain Buddy website: http://www.spainbuddy.com
​--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Travel
 
Tordesillas – A town with a past searching for a future.

Tordesillas is a small town and municipality in the province of Valladolid in Castile and León. It developed along the banks of the river Duero and has a population of 9000. The town is serviced by an excellent road network making it an ideal destination to add to a tour of the region. North and south runs the A6 from La Coruña to Madrid, the A62 takes you east to Valladolid, Zamora to the west is accessed along the A11, and Salamanca in the southwest is reached via the E80.

The town has two claims to fame, the Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494 and the Toro de la Vega. The former was an agreement between Spain and Portugal aimed at avoiding ownership conflicts over the newly discovered lands in the Americas. The latter was an annual fiesta that until 2016 saw a bull harried through the streets of the town by horse mounted lancers’ hell bent on stabbing the beast to death. The individual who delivered the fatal blow was granted the privilege of cutting off its testicles and parading them through the streets of the town on the point of his lance. No prizes for guessing why regional authorities banned the slaughter. As for the morality of allowing the chase to continue, I’ll leave that for you to decide.

It’s not the prettiest Spanish town you’ll ever visit but there is an honesty to its buildings. One such architectural treat is the Carmelite Convent (El Convento del Carmelo) located in the Plaza del Cristo Rey. The convent closed its doors to worship in 2010 when dwindling numbers saw the nuns join those of the Carmelite order in the nearby town of Medina del Campo. Today, there’s a programme underway to covert this abandoned 15th century convent into fifty, one and two-bedroom apartments for retirees. A lack of ambition springs to mind.

Walking north from the central Plaza Mayor you’ll find the church of Santa Maria. Construction began in the early part of the 16th century in the Gothic style. By the end of that century tastes had changed and the top of the tower is more classical. Other than this, the church is quite unremarkable with one exception, the main altar. In 1665 Pedro de la Torre was commissioned to design and build the altar. The result was so impressive that he was asked to build the baldachin (altar canopy) for the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. His aim was to rival that of the Vatican.

Tordesillas has a charm and character that many Spanish towns have lost. It’s not somewhere you could spend the day but if you were in the area it would be a shame to miss out on its authentic charm.
​
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before enjoying this week’s author interview, with special guest Elle Draper, why not mix up one of her thoughtfully prepared cocktails and put your feet up. They look and sound delicious.

Spanish Flirtinis

Flirtinis originated from the hit television series, Sex and The City. The series tells the story of Carrie Bradshaw (and her friends Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha) as they shop, eat, drink and shag their way around New York. At a party one night, Samantha gets the ladies drinking Flirtinis - a potent mix of vodka, pineapple juice and Champagne.
Not to be outdone - here is a version I make that is perfect for these hot summer evenings. But be warned - these cocktails are a lot more potent than you would think!

Ingredients (Serves 1)Keep the ratio but mix as much as you like.
 

• 50ml vodka
• 50ml Cava
• 100ml lemonade or gaseosa
• Large glass full of ice (and wedges of lime which is optional)
• Two or three slices of lemon or lime

The ratio should always be 1 part vodka to 1 part Cava to 2 parts lemonade (or gaseosa) - regardless of how much you make.

Method
 

• Mix all liquid ingredients together
• Serve in tall glasses over lots of ice and the lemon or lime slices
• To save time, just pour each ingredient straight over the ice in turn (watch that the lemonade doesn't froth over) and stir with a straw or swizzly stick thing.

Spain Buddy tips
​

• For an extra treat - mix in a dollop of lemon flavoured ice cream or sorbet per serving. You can always make up larger measures and mix it all in a blender.
• I use fizzy lemon and lime rather than just lemonade - but then I love a lime kick!
• People keep telling me they'll try this with gin instead of vodka, but as I can't stand the stuff... I can't vouch for the taste. Give it a go and let us know how you get on!

​------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now for the main event.

Author Interview
Elle Draper
 
Elle’s book ‘Spain Recipes’ contains over 120 easy to follow recipes that will inspire you to explore the delicious and distinctive flavours of Spain.

Elle Draper lives with Alan and their three dogs in a beautiful village in the hills of Almería in southern Spain. Together they run Spain Buddy, a website full of information about this amazing country they are proud to call home.
 
Elle loves to work miracles (although she came unstuck when trying to turn water into wine) and sometimes wears a superhero cape. She loves dogs, wine, a wide variety of cuisine and her “Alan” (although not necessarily in that order). She’s been known to throw shoes and half the stationery cupboard but is generally very chilled out.
 
She is a devoted friend, but a lethal enemy and her bite is far worse than her bark.
 
Elle has a geeky side too and gets very excited about Doctor Who. She is also unashamed to admit she loves a bit of trashy telly.
 
Elle describes herself as one of those sickeningly chirpy optimistic people. She sees the best in everyone. When others view their glass half-full, she sees hers as an opportunity to top-up with more wine or vodka and usually gets a round of shots in while she’s waiting.
 
Her book was inspired by the amazing range of ingredients in Spain. Some recipes are authentic, while others draw inspiration from their ten years living here. All are designed to bring a taste of Spain into your kitchen.
 
For more information on Elle’s recipes, follow these links:
To Buy the Spain Buddy Recipe Book: http://www.spainbuddy.com/the-spain-buddy-recipes-book
The Spain Buddy website: http://www.spainbuddy.com
 
Question time – our roving reporter asked Elle ten challenging questions.
 
1.    If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?
 
It would have to be Catherine Tate. A number of friends have said we are alike in personality. Both of us are “in your face” and bubbly. We don’t really look alike – but I think she could play herself and still be a convincing “me – although I’m a little less “ditsy”
 
2.    If you won a million pounds/dollar/euros etc, what would you buy?
 
I’d buy a townhouse in Vélez-Blanco where we already live and do a “Grand Designs” on the interior, whilst keeping the outside looking like its neighbours. I’d help friends and family and do a lot more travelling. I’d also force my hubby to retire – he’s done enough to earn it now. I’d still keep SpainBuddy.com going though.
 
3.    What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
 
I despise racism and bigotry in all its forms. Sadly, we see it all too often.
 
4.    If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?
 
To learn languages and then go and explore the world.
 
5.    You’re a new addition to my spice rack, what are you and why?
 
I’m probably a blend of ginger, chilli and garlic. At first you get a warm feeling like ginger, then I hit you with a spicy chilli kick (in a positive way) and then I stick around for quite some time in your memory (much like garlic).
 
6.    In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?
 
Oh Jesus! I do “the internet” for a living so I struggle to keep it under 50. Erm... it’s an amazing tool for knowledge and connections but is also filled with a lot of “white noise”. Is that fewer than 50 words?
 
7.    How can you tell if someone is a nerd?
 
I don’t know if you always can. I believe we all have a bit of an “inner nerd”. I’m a Doctor Who nerd for example – but not too geeky with it hopefully.
 
8.    If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?
 
Ooer – erm... how about “Twattery”? It’s the act of being a complete and utter twat.
 
9.    What undiscovered technology will transform the future?
 
Holographic conversations. You’ll be able to put your smartphone or other device on a flat surface and have a 3D conversation with loved ones or knowledgeable people.
 
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?
 
Oh my! I live a lean life – and am pretty brutal about clearing out unnecessary nonsense. Can I say my wrinkles?
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And finally - #normalwisdom

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​This Canabal Chronicle, Some-day Supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs, (with a little help from his wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.

To purchase copies of my books, click these titles:

Journey To A Dream - Beyond Imagination - Endless Possibilities

Find out more about Craig, and Galicia or look him up on Facebook

Craig and Melanie also own and operate a luxury farmhouse rental property called Campo Verde. To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit their website getaway-galicia

Note from the editor: Welcome to the latest edition of the Canabal Chronicle, a light-hearted take on life in Canabal: a rural village in the province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain. In this week’s issue, we prove unequivocally that politicians really can make a positive difference to our daily lives and much, much more.

Spud hunting is a favourite family pastime here in Canabal – What a great way to start the day! Personally, I prefer a mug of strong coffee and a bowl of cornflakes.

Canabal Prepares for Revolution

Earlier in the week, local residents took to the street in preparation for the sixtieth anniversary of the Canabal annual trolley dash. “Just one leaf can reduce a competitor’s time by several hundredths of a second” said local resident Pilar, as she swept clean a large section of Station Street.
 
Later in the day, our eagle-eyed photographer caught two of this year’s favourites going through their paces.

Bookies have Mari Carmen (pictured on the right) as clear favourite. Over the last few years the single wheel design has proved very successful winning nine of the last ten races. However, some locals argue that there’s no substitute for experience. If that’s true, Julia (pictured on the left) could be the dark horse in the field. Despite needing a walking stick, she believes she’s in with a chance.
 
The deciding factor could boil down to the distance. Originally, the race was run over twenty-three furlongs and included a tricky off-road section. This year’s event is a fifty-metre sprint from one end of Station Street to the other, a reflection on the number of contestants and their average ages.

Political Persuasion 
Is it time to stop whining about politicians?
 
Local mayor, Luís Fernández Guitián has dedicated his working life to public service. He works tirelessly to promote the region to worldwide tourists and locals alike. His latest idea, Tunel de Viño (Wine Tunnel) proved very popular and showed beyond doubt that politicians can make a difference to our daily lives.

We caught up with Luis in the local bar and asked “What exactly is the Tunel de Viño?”
 
“Aha,” he replied, with a glint in his eye, “It’s a new fiesta. Entry into the tunnel will cost €2.50. That will buy you a beautifully embossed glass and allow you to sample fifty local wines from the Ribeira Sacra.” Understandably, our roving reporter was lost for words, “But not all of them,” he joked.
 
Word of this inaugural event spread quickly through the newsroom. Many were sceptical although request to cover the event were unanimous.

The tunnel turned out to be a marquee, erected in the main square. Everything else was exactly as Luís had described. Needless to say, the event was a major success. Unfortunately, time got the better of me and although I wasn’t able to sample all the wines, my personal favourite was Régoa, a 2014 oak aged red – delicious.

Later that evening the 23rd Feria da Rosca got underway. This fiesta celebrates the production of Roscas a traditional sweet cake.

Once again Luis was on hand to make sure everyone had a slice of cake and more importantly a tot of licor café (traditional coffee liqueur made from the local firewater).

Local man Ignacio gave the event the thumbs up. Martin and Barbara’s thoughts were a little less clear.

It’s Just Sour Grapes
Authorities have once again warned villagers to be on the lookout for an opportunist thief. Inspector Slawit is under pressure from the flying squad to catch the perpetrator who is terrorising local producers. In her latest attempts to apprehend those responsible, she’s resorted to searching the sewers.

It hasn’t helped the investigation with the apparent changing tastes of the robbers from tomatoes to grapes.
 
This before and after photo highlights the extent of their ruthless behaviour. Anyone with information should contact Inspector Slawit via the Canabal Chronicle newsroom.

And Finally.
Canabal’s entry into this year’s Paint Your Wagon competition got its first outing this weekend. Local schoolkids have been working on the project since last September, “If there were more than three of us we’d have had it done ages ago,” remarked Pepe, aged twelve and three-quarters.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This issue of the Canabal Chronicle was brought to you by Craig Briggs, author of The Journey series of books.

To purchase copies of my books, click these titles:

Journey To A Dream - Beyond Imagination - Endless Possibilities

Find out more about Craig, and Galicia or look him up on Facebook

Craig and Melanie also own and operate a luxury farmhouse rental property called Campo Verde. To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit their website getaway-galicia

Note from the editor – Welcome to this week’s issue of the Some-day Supplement. Looking to put some crumpet in your life? We have the solution. Or perhaps you’re looking for something soft and squidgy in the Spanish countryside. We have exactly what you need.

Method
 
Heat the milk and water until it is hand hot. Stir in the sugar and add the yeast. Leave it for 10 minutes until it is frothy. Sift the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir with a wooden spoon, beat well until you have a smooth batter. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave in a warm place for 45 minutes, until the batter is light and frothy.

Cooking the crumpets
 
Grease the inside of two egg rings, with melted butter. Grease a large frying pan. put the egg rings into the pan and put the pan on a medium heat. Put about a tablespoon of batter into the egg ring and cook for about 4 or 5 minutes. Take off the egg ring and turn over the crumpet. Cook for about 3 minutes. make sure to grease the rings and pan before making the next batch.
 
Enjoy hot with lots and lots of butter.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TRAVEL 
Medina del Campo
 
Medina del Campo will be an unfamiliar destination to many travellers, but anyone who has driven north on the A6 from Madrid will be familiar with the town’s most famous landmark: Castillo de la Mota. Looking like it belongs on the sets of a Hollywood blockbuster, this magnificent fortress towers over the surrounding countryside.

The town of Medina is in the province of Valladolid in the autonomous region of Castile and León, 160km from Madrid and 45km from Valladolid. The high-speed (Alta velocidad) train makes a day trip from the capital an easy and affordable excursion.

Like many Spanish towns, Medina del Campo has experienced more prosperous times. In the 15th century a trade deal, known as the Treaty of Medina del Campo, was struck between Spain and England that lasted 96 years.

On a wet day in May, we perhaps didn’t see the best of this charming place. The town centre was quiet and the bars and cafes surrounding the Plaza Mayor were all but abandoned.

In the 15th and 16th centuries Medina was famous for its markets which were held in the Plaza Mayor. On one corner of the square you’ll find the collegiate church of San Antolín. One unusual feature of the church is found in the Chapel of the Virgen del Pópolo. It was from here, on a balcony overlooking the square that traders would celebrate mass.

With lunchtime looming we sought sanctuary in the Restaurante Gloria and ordered drinks and tapas. The tapas were delicious: we each had an enormous chunk of tortilla, firm on the outside and soft and squidgy in the middle, a heaped plate of ensaladilla (a meal in itself), and slices of beautifully lean and perfectly roasted lacón (gammon). The staff were friendly and helpful and the price, a mere €10.
 
A tour of Castile and León would not be complete without a trip to Medina del Campo, but try and avoid the rain.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author Interview
Charlotte Moore
 
Today’s author in the hot-seat is Charlotte Moore who’s debut book, Calamity Spain, tells the story of her search for a place in the sun.

Tell us about your book Charlotte - The first time I got onto a plane on my own set me off on a new path in life without realising it. A new path to freedom, exploring places I would never have gone to had I still been part of a couple. To making friends who lived in another country and wanting to live where the sun shone and life was at a slower, healthier pace. To wanting to have my own little slice of a Spanish village and live the life that it offered. I was going to fulfil my dream to buy a place abroad in the Sierra Nevada and live happily ever after. I knew where I wanted to be I now just had to make it happen. Little did I know the roller coaster journey I would have.
 
Initially when I began writing about my journey I was envisioning a travel book based around the location and discovering the characters and local produce. I had no idea that the book would end up full of emotion and tough decisions. Maybe the second book will be what book one was supposed to be?
 
To buy your copy of Calamity Spain follow these links:
UK link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NCLEMEZ
US link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCLEMEZ
 
Question time – our roving reporter asked Charlotte ten challenging questions.
 
1.    If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?
 
Tough one! Would have to be someone with humour and empathy...Ellen Degeneris maybe or Dawn French.
 
2.    If you won a million pounds, what would you buy?
 
More how I’d change my life really: Get a small place in the country where I could relax and be a full-time artist and writer. Travel to unusual destinations and spend time volunteering with charities.
 
3.    What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
 
The pressure we put on ourselves to reach higher goals without seeing what is in front of us and enjoying the day.
 
4.    If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?
 
As I’ve always been self-employed I’d say get a pension in place but enjoy each day of your life and have as many adventures as you can.
 
5.    You’re a new edition to my spice rack, what are you and why?
 
Something blended; like a garam masala. Gentle complex spices that give warmth and flavour.
 
6.    In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?
 
Two tin cans and a piece of string but more elaborate.
 
7.    How can you tell if someone is a nerd?
 
Gosh, aren’t we all in one subject or another?
 
8.    If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?
 
Fingerlexia. One I made up a few years ago to mean our awful typing and errors that occur in this digital age.
 
9.    What undiscovered technology will transform the future?
 
Something that can assess nature to give us natural cures for illnesses rather than use chemicals.
 
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?
 
A spare tyre!
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And finally - #normalwisdom

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
This Canabal Chronicle, Some-day Supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs, (with a little help form his wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.

To purchase copies of my books, click these titles:

Journey To A Dream - Beyond Imagination - Endless Possibilities

Find out more about Craig, and Galicia or look him up on Facebook

Craig and Melanie also own and operate a luxury farmhouse rental property called Campo Verde. To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit their website getaway-galicia

Note from the editor: Welcome to the latest edition of the Canabal Chronicle, a light-hearted take on life in Canabal: a rural village in the province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain.

UFO Crash Lands in Canabal.

Terrified residents sought sanctuary in the church of San Pedro as rumours circulated of an alien invasion. Earlier in the day, an anonymous source reported hearing a “strange whirring sound” moments before a plume of smoke billowed into the air.

Those unable to get to church buried their head in the sand and hoped for the best.

Reporters at the Chroncile were initially sceptical of the claims but later in the day, photographic evidence emerged. Two alien survivors were snapped walking towards the church. One of the space travellers appeared to be severely injured, either that or it was the headless horseman. Its companion seemed to have walked away from the wreckage unscathed. Locals have named the creature Centaur, although it sounds Greek to me.

Other images soon appeared across social media. One such photo, posted by someone calling themselves James T Kirk, was nicknamed the Duckbilled Triffid from Titan 3.

A local resident was quick to point out that it was no such thing. They commented that it was in fact a “rather tasty fungus.” Maria agreed stating that, “It’s delicious fried in olive oil with spicy chorizo and served with scrambled eggs.”
 
Other hoaxers were quick to jump on the social media bandwagon. José’s offering was far less convincing. Local residents recognised his jacket, helmet, and motorcycle, instantly.

Ripper Strikes Again
 
The search continues for the tomato thief of Canabal, aka the Ripening Ripper.

Authorities have urged residents to pick their crop early and let them ripen off the vine. This extreme measure comes as police are no nearer catching the thief. Heading up the investigation is local sniffer dog Inspector Slawit.

She’s constantly on the lookout and has been busy questioning all known cat burglars. Some residents have complained of discrimination and unfair harassment but Inspector Slawit was having none of it. “I like cats just as much as the next deputy dog,” she was quoted as saying.

Later in the week, hopes were raised when a deputised posse cornered a suspect taking refuge in a plane tree. Just as an arrest seemed imminent, the alleged offender escaped capture by taking flight. The search continues.

Tomorrow’s Technology Today
 
Canabal leads the way in design and innovation.
 
A local man is claiming to have invented the world’s first, 100% recycled window box watering system, dubbed the Tub-on-a-Pole.
 
Even though the patent is pending, its designer was happy to disclose the complicated and revolutionary manufacturing process. Its creator, who prefers not to be named said, “It’s just a tub on a pole”.

Early trials highlighted a few minor design flaws, “I can’t see what I’m doing,” he was quoted as saying, “If it wasn’t for the wife guiding me, I don’t know what I’d do”. His wife confirmed her role in the trial, “More water fell on me than the plants,” she chuckled. When asked why he didn’t just lean out of the upstairs windows to water the plants, he paused for a moment before replying, “That’s a good idea”. Since speaking with the Chronicle further product trials have temporarily been suspended.
 
Sports Desk.
 
The winner of this year’s Canabal Open Golf Championship, sponsored by the Canabal Chronicle, was none other than our editor in chief, Craig Briggs. On a testing course, he recorded a personal best score of 6 under par, 65. In his acceptance speech he thanked the groundsmen for preparing a near perfect course stating that, “It was just like playing on Astro Turf.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This issue of the Canabal Chronicle was brought to you by Craig Briggs, author of The Journey series of books.

To purchase copies of my books, click these titles:

Journey To A Dream - Beyond Imagination - Endless Possibilities

Find out more about Craig, and Galicia or look him up on Facebook

Craig and Melanie also own and operate a luxury farmhouse rental property called Campo Verde. To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit their website getaway-galicia

Note from the editor – Regular readers will notice we have added a new feature to The Some-day supplement, (which will one day be published on a Sunday) an author interview. First to be placed in the spotlight is local writer Penelope Anderton-Swann. As usual we begin this issue with our regular Canabal Cuisine.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canabal cuisine – Onion Bhajis
Ingredients
 
2 large eggs
3 onions sliced
120gm plain flour
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin seeds
Vegetable oil to fry

Method
 
Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
Add the onions and mix well.
Add the flour, cumin seeds and coriander and stir well to combine.
Heat the oil. You can either fry in a deep fat fryer or in a high sided frying pan. When the oil is hot add a large spoonful of the bhaji mixture and fry until golden brown. Turn the bhaji over and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper
Repeat with the remaining mixture, replenishing the oil if required and making sure it’s hot before adding the bhaji mixture.

Serve hot with raita.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travel 
Toro – A town of good taste

This enchanting town sits on a plateau overlooking the river Duero in the province of Zamora in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. It’s located off the A-11 highway between Tordesillas and Zamora, approximately 220km north of Madrid.

It’s a charming town which seems to have changed little over the last four centuries. The Collegiate church of Santa Maria de Mayor is the town’s main architectural feature and worth a visit on its own. Started in the 12th century, it took 150 years to complete. I’d say it was worth the wait.

The area around Toro is famous for its wine production (Toro DO). The fertile plains of the Douro help produce fruity, full-bodied reds and refreshingly heady whites. It’s said that Christopher Columbus took Toro wines on his voyage to discover the Americas. One of the boats, The Pinta, was named by the benefactor of the wine.

Like many Spanish towns, at its heart is the Plaza Mayor. A charming square bordered by shops, restaurants, bars and a hotel, and on the southern edge by the town hall.

Melanie and I fell in love with Toro. With its beautiful architecture, narrow streets and leafy public spaces, it’s difficult not to. As for the wine, Toro produces some of the best reds in Spain a fact I’m happy to confirm.

The next time you decide to explore the municipality of Zamora and the province of Castile and Leon, make sure to add Toro to your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Author Interview
Penelope Anderton-Swann
 
Today’s author in the hot-seat is Penelope Anderton-Swann author of the highly acclaimed “Gardening Tips For The Soul”.

Tell us about your book Penelope - This is a book which takes the lessons that can be learned through gardening and applies them to our everyday lives.  It looks, for example, at the seasons, weather, maintenance and methods of planting as well as our private and public gardens and examines how they may be able to help us view our lives from a different perspective.
 
Question Time - Our roving reporter asked ten challenging questions.
 
1. If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?
 
A. Sally Field.  She is an underrated actress, and has a lot more depth than she is given credit for.  I also think she laughs a lot and doesn´t take herself too seriously.
 
2. If you won a million pounds/dollar/euros etc, what would you buy?
 
A. Probably a new car with a lifetime insurance!  Also. somethings (not necessarily stuff) that each member of the family would like.
 
3. What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
 
A. Arrogance, which manifests in all areas of life and in a million different ways.
 
4. If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?
 
A. (Nearly there!) I wouldn´t say experiences can be passed on.  One can only have one´s own experiences.  Lessons maybe…So what have I learned?  Well… To be open minded enough to know that what I know may not be true, and to know that I actually know nothing.  If I am closed by “knowing it all”, then I am not open to the new.
 
5. You’re a new addition to my spice rack, what are you and why?
 
A. Juniper Berries.  Complex and subtle.
 
6: In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?
 
A. You can´t be serious!  I don´t know!  Now I am open to learning how it works!
 
7. How can you tell if someone is a nerd?
 
A. We are all Nerdish in some respects.  
 
8. If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?
 
A. Fragish -  A mixture of being under the weather and fed up and a bit grumpy!
 
9. What undiscovered technology will transform the future?
 
A. A very simple method for harnessing the energy that already exists everywhere, without pollution or huge infrastructure, and utilising it so that everyone can benefit free.
 
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?

A. An electric programmable saucepan/cooker!  It came free with a vibrating exercise machine (for which I also want to find a good home).  That is two, but as they came together I count them as one!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally - #normalwisdom

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Canabal Chronicle Some-day supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs (with a little help from wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.

To purchase copies of my books, click these titles:

Journey To A Dream - Beyond Imagination - Endless Possibilities

Find out more about Craig, and Galicia or look him up on Facebook

Craig and Melanie also own and operate a luxury farmhouse rental property called Campo Verde. To find out more about a stay at Campo Verde and Galicia in general, visit their website getaway-galicia