Cobbled streets & sherry bars

A couple of hours spent wandering through the narrow cobbled streets of Jerez in search of the perfect rustic tapas bar and sherry bodeguita. We were not disappointed. A glass of amontillado or Pedro Ximenez for just a euro and a tapa of sheep's milk cheese and artichoke with anchovies.  The next bar we moved onto Rioja at 1.90 euros and modern tapas trendily presented on slate tiles. Fresh tuna & gamba balls in a divine sauce mopped up with fresh crusty bread. Then a long tempura stick of avocado and gambas with a curry alioli. Different and delicious. Ended up in a tiny plaza underneath the orange trees and in the shadow of an ancient church and it's stunning oak door. A play was unfolding before our eyes in the adjacent church square on a balmy Autumn evening. On our walk we came across little stages set up for autumn music events dotted in the plazas so bar folk could sit and enjoy the mellow tunes wafting across the square.

Alcazar Sevilla

Came across a perfect walking tour guide led by Concepcion and her team. Privately run in English she is personable, hugely knowledgeable and great fun. We first did the Palace in Seville with her and enjoyed the history and interesting tidbits so much we returned to do the tour of Santa Cruz and old Jewish quarter. A fascinating labyrinth of old narrow streets, tapas bars, ancient houses and winding streets to explore before you stumble upon shaded squares with fountains and tiled seats under the orange trees. Relaxing, cooling, welcome respite from the heat of the day. A great meander through past times seeing how the area evolved and adopted by different races.

Tapas heaven

Malaga was good in July for tapas but further along into Andalucia, Seville, Ronda and Jerez then we are really spoilt for choice. With a glass of wine or beer hitting the all time low of 1 euro 30 we had to select a few tapas to accompany our vino tinto. Chicks are my favorite, little squids, fried or in their ink, on the grill or in a casserole. Bacalao or cod comes a close second. Snails have. Been popular he but we didn't get round to that. Gambas, langoustines, berenjena, pimientos asados, pinchito de atun oh and the stuffed olives, bouquerones, mejillones, queso & jamon iberico.
So much choice so little time! We are coming back again in Spring.

Scents of Andalucia

It's October and the sun is still shining here every day, the sea is warm enough to swim in and the jasmine is still in bloom which fills the air as you walk past each garden. The bourgenvillia is still crimson, fuchsia and Scarlett. Blue flowers, white, orange a real mix of classy colors. I am fascinated by all the fruit trees in the streets, plazas, roads and countryside. So far have seen
dates palms dripping with fruit; green oranges waiting to ripen, pomegranate trees laden with fruit, peach trees and acres of cotton fields full of white fluffy cotton balls. Dave is calling me the crazy fruit lady as I stop to take yet another photo. Whatever floats your boat I say....

Spanish riding boots -a must have!

Cant leave this area of Andalucia without searching for these beautiful hand-made
leather riding boots that cost a fortune at home but v reasonable 100 euros or so here. Found the perfect hunting ground at Hipisur near Plaza de Toro in Jerez so hoping to do a detour before supper tonight if hubby can be bribed! Only prob is a friend wants them too but will have to wear mine home to cheat the paltry luggage allowance... Can I fit another pair in for Angie without exceeding the limit???

Sherry tasting in Jerez

Cloudy but warm 27 degrees today as we left Sanlucar and headed to Jerez for our first tour of a sherry house. Sandman didn't disappoint, delicious sherry aroma as we walked around the vast warehouse full of old old sherry butts piled high. A tasting of rare, old and young sherries whilst chatting to our fellow tourists, very pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Then off in search of tapas for a quick lunch before heading to the hotel for well deserved siesta!

Rainy Day in NYC - baking banana bread

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/



Banana bread in the oven and a cup of tea brewing. Not venturing out today until later this evening. Pouring with rain and can't even see the Empire State from my window anymore.
So far made, pork casserole, beef chill, butternut soup, thai green chicken and butternut curry, leek and potato soup and the banana bread. Productive day dans le kitchen chez Murray.