Thursday, December 18, 2008
Turrón y Flan - It wouldn't be Christmas without it!
Turrón is a popular Spanish nougat candy that comes in many different varieties. While it is available all year, it is a delicious treat especially enjoyed during the Christmas season in Spain. It is typically made of honey, sugar, and egg whites, with toasted almonds or other nuts. There are many different kinds of turrón. Some examples are Turrón de Almendra (almond), Turrón de Cacauete (Peanut) and Turrón de Avellana (roasted hazelnut).Turrón may be classified as two types: duro and blando. Turrón duro or hard turrón is similar to Peanut Brittle. Turrón blando or soft turrón is made into a paste, creating a softer and chewier candy.
Click here to read a Think Spanish article on the tradition of Turrón.
Another traditional holiday treat in Latin America is Flan de Huevos. This delicious caramel custard is sometimes hard to make at home but if you can master the recipe, it's well worth the effort! ¡Qué Aproveche!
Click here to read the Think Spanish article: Un delicioso postre: flan de huevo
Monday, December 8, 2008
Cool School of the Month - AmeriSpan in Guanajuato, Mexico
This month Think Spanish Magazine has selected AmeriSpan's Guanajuato, Mexico Spanish School as its "Cool School of the Month."
Learning Spanish abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico is one of many Spanish language immersion programs offered by AmeriSpan. For nearly 200 years beginning in 1558, Guanajuato was one of the richest silver producing cities in the world. The city possesses many subterranean passageways and narrow, winding streets that make it truly unique. Brightly painted houses line steep slopes of a ravine that once contained a river. This extremely charming city is culturally very lively and exhibits an energetic, youthful feel. During the last two weeks of October, Guanajuato hosts the Cervantes Arts Festival, attracting famous artists from around the world.
The Guanajuato School is one of the top-rated schools with AmeriSpan and the schools is listed as a “1st choice” program. The school is located in the old city and all home stays are within walking distance of the school. Capacity is 130 students/day and there are a maximum of 8 students per group class. Private one-one one courses are also offered.
In addition to the general Spanish course they also offer a Cultural Cooking Class. In this special class you can study Spanish and learn how to cook many typical Mexican dishes! At the end of class, students indulge in their creations while enjoying the favorable weather on the school's roof deck.
This top rated Spanish school is perfect for improving Spanish learning while taking in fascinating culture and rich history of this vibrant Mexican City. Think Spanish highly recommends this program! Check out Amerispan and their study abroad program in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Learning Spanish abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico is one of many Spanish language immersion programs offered by AmeriSpan. For nearly 200 years beginning in 1558, Guanajuato was one of the richest silver producing cities in the world. The city possesses many subterranean passageways and narrow, winding streets that make it truly unique. Brightly painted houses line steep slopes of a ravine that once contained a river. This extremely charming city is culturally very lively and exhibits an energetic, youthful feel. During the last two weeks of October, Guanajuato hosts the Cervantes Arts Festival, attracting famous artists from around the world.The Guanajuato School is one of the top-rated schools with AmeriSpan and the schools is listed as a “1st choice” program. The school is located in the old city and all home stays are within walking distance of the school. Capacity is 130 students/day and there are a maximum of 8 students per group class. Private one-one one courses are also offered.
In addition to the general Spanish course they also offer a Cultural Cooking Class. In this special class you can study Spanish and learn how to cook many typical Mexican dishes! At the end of class, students indulge in their creations while enjoying the favorable weather on the school's roof deck.
This top rated Spanish school is perfect for improving Spanish learning while taking in fascinating culture and rich history of this vibrant Mexican City. Think Spanish highly recommends this program! Check out Amerispan and their study abroad program in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Think Spanish - December Free Article
"Navidad y Año Nuevo en versión sureña"
In Peru, Nativity scenes are known as Retablos and are very popular. Retablo artists use simple wood tools and a plaster made with potato starch, to bring colorful, hand-shaped figurines to life. Full scenes are arranged inside painted wooden boxes with hinged doors and usually one or more shelves displaying the Nativity scenes. In Chile, Nativity scenes known as Pesebre are placed under the Christmas tree. Father Christmas is known as Viejito Pascuero and everyone exchanges Christmas greetings and gifts. In Ecuador, children write letters to the Christ-child and place their shoes on the windowsill hoping they will find their shoes filled with toys on Christmas morning. In Bolivia, Christmas is mostly a harvest festival and people celebrate and have a feast for Mother Earth.
Did you ever wonder if the traditions around Christmas and New Years were different in South America? While many traditions are similar to our celebrations here, there are also many that are unique to each country.
In Peru, Nativity scenes are known as Retablos and are very popular. Retablo artists use simple wood tools and a plaster made with potato starch, to bring colorful, hand-shaped figurines to life. Full scenes are arranged inside painted wooden boxes with hinged doors and usually one or more shelves displaying the Nativity scenes. In Chile, Nativity scenes known as Pesebre are placed under the Christmas tree. Father Christmas is known as Viejito Pascuero and everyone exchanges Christmas greetings and gifts. In Ecuador, children write letters to the Christ-child and place their shoes on the windowsill hoping they will find their shoes filled with toys on Christmas morning. In Bolivia, Christmas is mostly a harvest festival and people celebrate and have a feast for Mother Earth. Learn more about Holiday celebrations in South American while learning Spanish. Click here for this month's free article and audio file.
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