The Flavors of Valencia

While Ronda and Vidal enjoyed their time in Valencia, they also dined on amazing traditional Valencian food.

If you’ve always thought of Mediterranean food as its own distinct category of cuisine (along the lines of Mexican, Chinese, or Indian), it’s time to set a few things straight. The Mediterranean region encompasses thousands of square miles and many cultures. Every single one has its own cooking style.

Mediterranean cuisine is loosely characterized by lean meats, lots of seafood, and an abundance of olives (olive oil) and grapes (wine), which are prolific in the area. But Valencian cuisine has a flavor all its own–after all, it’s where paella was born! —and the dishes that Ronda and Vidal enjoy during their stay in Valencia can’t be found anywhere else in the Mediterranean world.

The foods of Valencia range from sweet (almond-honey brittle) to savory (seafood paella) to tangy (salt-preserved cod). These are a few of Valencia’s staples.

Paella

Valencian Paella. From rorodinoz on Wikimedia.

Paella was first made in Valencia, so it’s not surprising that there are as many different varieties of the dish as there are chefs to prepare it. The most traditional varieties include Paella Valenciana with Rabbit and snails or Paella with Llobaro (a seabass-type fish) and veggies.

If you’re not feeling that adventurous, try this traditional recipe for paella con pollo y mariscos (paella with chicken and seafood).

Horchata

Traditional Valencian Horchata, served with Fartons.

Traditional Valencian Horchata, served with Fartons. Photo via Nacho Pintos on Flickr.

If you’ve sampled Horchata at a local Mexican restaurant, you’re probably not thinking of quite the same thing as Valencian Horchata. In Mexico and central America, Horchata is most often made from rice, with added sugar and cinnamon to create a sweet, creamy, milky drink.

In Valencia, Horchata is made from chufas—tiger nuts—instead. The resulting drink is like a sweet, thick, creamy version of almond milk. You probably won’t find Valencian Horchata in your town, but you can order chufas online and make your own tiger nut Horchata! The drink is often served with fartons, which are long, slightly sweet pieces of bread perfect for dipping–into Horchata, coffee, or fruity drinks.

Turron

Turron de Jijona, via Randalfino on Wikimedia.

Turron de Jijona, via Randalfino on Wikimedia.

If you’re in Valencia and you need to satisfy a sweet tooth, Turron is the natural choice. This sweet almond candy has roots that go as far back as the 8th century when the invasion of the Moors brought almonds to the area. Almonds combined with honey form the base for this sweet concoction.

Many different versions of Turron abound, from a brittle candy much like peanut brittle (Turron de Alicante) to the soft, fudgy nougat candy (Turron de Jijona) made from honey, egg whites, and almonds. You can find recipes for both versions here.

Every book is better with a cuppa (whether your preferred drink is Horchata, coffee, or herbal tea) and something to munch on, so whip up something new, then kick back with Two Weeks in Spain!

 

 

Destination 3: Valencia

Valencia’s lovely beaches on the Mediterranean sea offer the perfect backdrop for escaping your own reality for a while, so it makes sense that Ronda and Vidal take time to explore the innovative, modern amenities Valencia offers.

Valencia’s L’Oceanografic

By Diliff, Creative Commons

Here, Ronda and Vidal explore the arts & sciences complex for which Valencia is famous. Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, offers endless exhibits to explore, and the entire complex’s breathtaking futuristic architecture reflects the contemporary urban vibe that modern Valencia is famous for. A private bike tour, a picnic, and an evening of dancing and walking along the beach all make brilliant choices for a magical visit to Valencia.

 

Destination 2: Cuenca’s Magical Mountains

While Madrid buzzed with life, Cuenca buzzes with history–really ancient history. But it’s all new for Ronda, and exploring it with Vidal is a highlight of her trip.

CUENCA

Walking through the streets of Cuenca feels much like stepping into Medieval Europe. Castle ruins dating back to the 14th century are still open for exploration. An ancient convent, Bishop’s Palace, and almost 500-year-old bridge (the Bridge of Saint Paul) all add to the historical mystique.

Casas Colgadas in Cuenca, Spain

By Tamorlan, Creative Commons

Because of the town’s rocky situation on the edges of gorges that line the Huecar River, homes and buildings hug the tops of cliffs that overlook the river’s banks far below. The overall impression is of an ancient walled city with gorgeous unexpected spots to explore around every turn of the cobblestone streets.

Cuenca holds a lifetime of childhood memories for Vidal, who visited the town and its surrounding countryside each year when he was young.

We took trips every summer with our grandparents. We camped, went to the beach, and spent the summers traveling all over Spain. They wanted to make sure we didn’t forget where we came from.

–Vidal, Two Weeks in Spain

In Cuenca, Ronda and Vidal enjoy the peaceful contrast of country life after a week in the city of Madrid. Cuenca’s colorful countryside and historic, cozy feel provide the perfect counterpart to a week in a city that never sleeps.

Some Dreams Come With a Soundtrack

Though stories don’t necessarily come with a soundtrack, Ronda’s journey breathes music. From the country music Ronda listens to in her home in Texas to the Latin pop that Vidal performs, the entire journey from Madrid to Barcelona (and beyond!) vibrates with notes from cultures thousands of miles apart.

Several of Thomas Rhett’s songs fit Ronda and Vidal’s story beautifully. “It Goes Like This” is sung from the point of view of a man who’s absolutely crazy about a woman he meets one night–so much so that he wants to write a song for her.

“Star of the Show” is all about that woman who steals the limelight everywhere she goes. Ronda finds herself in this spot a few times while spending time with Vidal.

“Die a Happy Man” perfectly encapsulates the contemporary country music style Ronda loves–and it’s an essential piece of her journey’s soundtrack.

The Zac Brown Band sings about freedom here. Ronda’s trip to Spain and whirlwind romance with Vidal brings her a type of freedom she never would have thought possible. This song is the perfect complement to that soaring freedom that she finds on the road in Spain.

Latin pop music plays a big part in Ronda’s adventure, too. Vidal’s style is much like Enrique Iglesias’s, and many of Enrique’s songs could be written into Ronda and Vidal’s romance totally seamlessly. “Finally Found You” might be the perfect match.

This classic takes on a Latin spin and also perfectly meshes with Ronda and Vidal’s journey.

“Hero” is another of Enrique’s chart-toppers, and it’s one of Ronda’s favorites, as well.

Make sure to pick up your copy (in print) or (Kindle) of Two Weeks in Spain today! Then kick back with a playlist of songs you love for the perfect feel-good evening.

*Disclaimer: Two Weeks in Spain is in no way endorsed by any of these artists. These are just some of my favorites–and songs that inspired some of the scenes in the book.

Sneak Peek at the Two Weeks in Spain Cast of Characters

In recognition of Two Weeks in Spain’s debut, I’m giving you another peek at the world inside the book. Curious about the characters? Here’s a three-minute snapshot of the personalities that bring Ronda’s story to life.

Ronda

Ronda is a student coming from a dysfunctional home. She’s always played it safe, but when she travels to Spain, she makes decisions that surprise even herself to follow her heart and her dreams.

Vidal

An up-and-coming pop singer whose popularity is exploding in Spain, Vidal is the hearthrob of thousands of Spanish teenagers-but he only has eyes for the girl he stumbles into in a club while on vacation in his home country.

The Two Friends

Everyone has a friend or two like Kelsey and Tina. They’re the well-meaning but slightly ridiculous posse that always has your back, even when you’re living with the consequences of taking risks you normally wouldn’t. Though they could have gotten Ronda into a lot of trouble, their flamboyance makes all the difference in Ronda and Vidal’s romance.

JJ

JJ is Vidal’s brother and best friend. He’s every bit as attractive as Vidal, and as Vidal’s manager, he helps keep his brother’s career on track. JJ also proves instrumental in keeping Kelsey and Tina out of trouble.

Scott

If there’s a Guy Next Door, Scott is it. He’s cute, he’s charming, and he’s waaay more into Ronda than she is to him.

If you want to find out more about these personalities, you’ll have to pick up a copy of Two Weeks in Spain and read about them for yourself! I suspect you’ll fall in love with them just as much as I have.