Jamón

As La Presidenta de Amas de Casa Margaret was invited to attend a presentation to promote Jamón de Teruel held in Valderrobres. Pigs are big business around here.

The tour started at the secondary school where they have a specialist course for aspiring chefs.

There were around 6 different local restaurants represented, each of which had stepped up to the plate and produced a dish containing jamón. These ranged from a delicious sea food platter with trufas and jamón to...

...breads with jamón in the form of various creatures.

Jamón and artichokes,...

...delicious bite-size pieces of jamón...

...and for the sweet course, a sort of swiss roll encased in jamón.

After the 2 hour lunch which consisted of eating all of the dishes above, a visit to 2 local factories which actually produce the jamón.

Jamóns are cured for several months.

Other products include fuet, seen here hanging up, (or rather down),...

...and lomo which is a tasty pork meat which has been marinated.

 After the tour, we went to the headquarters of the Comarca to sample more, you've guessed it, jamón and to share ideas on how the products and tourism could be promoted in a more dynamic manner. Another great day out, (unless you happen to be a vegetarian.)

Teruel

Teruel is a very nice city but it's a pity it is so far away. It is the capital of this province and although there are a couple of provincial capital cities closer, they are not the capital of our province. Teruel is over 170 kms away, a 2½ hour drive through lovely countryside and  mountains.

We had to go there to renew our "residency" - our previous card had just expired, (after 5 years!) and this cannot be done by any other means other than actually going there with all necessary documents, their photocopies and a photo.

We arived just before 9am which gave us time for breakfast before the 9:40 appointment.

When everything had been sorted out, it was time for another coffee in a sunny spot at a bar in the main square and then a wander around the city centre. We now have certificates of residency which do not have to be renewed so we will never have to go to Teruel again.

The architecture is interesting.

There's a (model) bull on the top of this column.

The narrow streets lead to interesting buildings.

Even the "Residencia de Pensionistas" fitted in well...

...as does the Ayuntamiento.

The 13th century cathedral, is a fine example of Mudéjar achitecture.

The north entrance is just off a small, quiet square.

Inside, the cathedral is cool and surpringly well lit considering the lack of windows.

There is a splendid wooden ceiling...

...and some fascinating side chapels...

...lit by a window in the top of their domed roofs.

Brilliant design and we thought roof lights were so modern.

It's all in very good condition.

I hope these statues on a platform are lighter than they look for when they go out around the streets.




Across the little square is a museum of sacred ornaments and paintings...

...collected from various churches across the region...

...and presented here for posterity.

It all made the trip worthwhile.

XI Marcha por Caminos and Fideuà

At 8:30am there is quite a crowd in the Plaza Mayor having their breakfast; pieces of chocolate, galletas and of course a hearty drink, for strength.

It is an excellent morning especially after the storms that we had the previous evening.

The group photo.

(I only wear this hat once a year and today's the day!)

En route the flowers are in full bloom. Blue,...

...white...

...and yellow.

We pass by an old masía in the middle of nowhere.

At the first control point, at around 5km, there is water to drink and a bag of almonds for sustenance.

The walkers then head off on the remaining 10km of the walk while we head back to the village as we have to prepare the stall for the Amas de Casa.

While we are waiting for the return of the walkers, the fideuà is being prepared. First you add the meat to a pan containing a little oil...

...and stir over a medium heat.

Meanwhile, prepare the garlic.

Add the peppers...

...a little tomato purée...

...and some chopped tomato.

Margaret models one of the bags for sale.

In goes the seafood and water...

...and finally the fideu itself.

Margaret continues selling to the end, in fact, after the end, as people came to buy during the meal when everything had been put away!

The meal is served onto plates...

...and here it is - delicious, best yet!

The group tuck in...

...and 300 people have a very good time.