The Festive Flavors of Spain

Big Bad Dad and I recently attended a cooking class as part of the Discover Spain package at the Omni Interlocken hotel in Broomfield, Colorado. It was my birthday present. Here's the package description:

Experience the Festive Flavors of Spain with mouth-watering cheeses, meats, spices and seafood from a land rich in culinary history and unforgettable tastes. Our chefs have trained under culinary masters from the Castilla y Leon region of Spain and they are ready to share their creations with you. And when you book the Discover Spain package you can learn first hand how to create traditional Spanish Tapas.

Of the dishes we made, I loved the gazpacho most of all. It was the easiest to make and definitely the most healthy (just leave out the mayo and bread crumbs, and the ham and bread garnish)

Castilian Gazpacho with Serrano Ham
Executive Chef Kristen Harkness
Omni Interlocken Resort Denver, Colorado

For the Gazpacho:

• 1 cup ripe tomatoes
• 1 cup green bell peppers
• ½ medium onion
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ cucumber
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 oz. cooked (roasted) beets
• 2 Tbsp wine vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup bread crumbs

For the garnish:

• Serrano ham
• Bread Extra
• Virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Coarsely chop the vegetables and mix with the bread crumbs, mayonnaise and olive oil. Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Mix all ingredients in a food processor and strain them.
2. For the garnish: Dice the Serrano ham and bread. Fry the diced bread in olive oil and remove. Saute the ham in the same oil. Mix ham and bread for garnish.

And if you're interested in exploring Spanish cooking, check out The New Spanish Table.

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