t a newthing. Cuisines have always been fused and developed accordingto the global movements of cultures. Many ingredients now used in Spanish cooking were introduced byother cultures: Phoenician and Greek, Roman and Moorish. Thereare elements introduced by the Romans and, most importantly,following the discover of the New World, the Spanish cuisine wasinfused with potatoes, tomatoes, chocolate, beans, chilli, andcitrus fruits. Spanish food is spicy and rich. At times, theSpanish cuisine reminds one of Arabia, with its rich use ofcumin and honey. Other times, Spanish cuisine reminds one of theAmericas, with its dishes blending meat and chocolate. All thetraditional foods of Spain are still very popular today. Spanishfavorites include salted cod or Bacalao, white sausage orButifarra, sausage with garlic and paprika or Chorizo. Paella, asaffron-flavored soup dish of ric...

...e, shellfish and chicken is amuch-loved Spanish classic. But the quintessential Spanish eating experience is the tapasbar. Tapas are small entrée-like dishes, which include dips,cheese, marinated olives, vegetable dishes, and canapés brushedwith tomato, and potato chunks or slices cooked with eggs inolive oil. The Mediterranean peoples always accompany theiralcohol with food and so tapas are always served in bars and arethe perfect accompaniments to a good dry or sweet Mediterraneanwine....