FIVE EASY WAYS TO CREATE A SPANISH INSPIRED CHRISTMAS

Find some interesting new ways to celebrate the festive season – we caught up with Monika Linton, founder of Brindisa, to ask her for 5 top tips for a Spanish inspired Christmas. Monika’s love of Spain, the warmth of its people, and above all its amazing food provided the inspiration to launch her company. In 2016, she put her extensive knowledge onto the page to create “Brindisa: The True Food of Spain”, which tells the stories of some of the remarkable producers and their families she has got to know during its 30 year history. Her interest in the human side of Spanish gastronomy reveals fascinating insights such as these sure-fire ways to enjoy a traditional Spanish Christmas: 

• A glass of creamy, sparkling cava. Cava has a unique style, grapes and terroir. It tends to be richer than Champagne and drier than Prosecco - it is one of the most food-friendly wines there is, especially good with puddings.
• Then no celebration is complete without a whole air-dried ham. Designed for sharing, ham-on-the-bone epitomises the indulgence and conviviality of a Spanish Christmas.
• Another of my favourite things to share at Christmas is a Torta de Barros It looks stunning and tastes delicious - all you need to do is leave it out of the fridge the night before to warm up, cut off the top and enjoy the gooey centre with breadsticks or crudités.
• Try the unexpected. Sobrasada, cured spreadable chorizo, on toast drizzled with Orange Blossom Honey, this inspired combination makes a brilliant canape.
• Turron of course. It’s not really Christmas unless you’ve had some of this nougat-esque delicacy, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds.