Welcome back to Spain-recipes' newsletter.

Once again, this month has been a really busy one... We've prepared some new recipes for www.spain-recipes.com, as you'll see in the next paragraphs.

As summer is starting, we believe we should offer our readers a selection of refreshing summer recipes: from tapas to sangria, not forgetting paella and desserts, we've updated our cookbook in order to offer you the best selection for this summer! 

Also, in this issue we're presenting you an interesting article on Mallorca's dream beaches... We're preparing a full section on Spanish beaches, and this is only an appetizer! Keep watching us at www.spain-recipes.com!

As we say in Spain: 'En la variedad está el gusto'! (in the variety you can find your flavor)

Enjoy!

Jordi Vallés

PS: Before I forget! If you're curious to learn how we developed this site, just check out here!

Just keep enjoying your Spanish Experience with us at www.spain-recipes.com.

Contents

• The Balearic Islands: A View from the Water
• New recipes

The Balearic Islands: A View from the Water

The islands that make up the Balearic archipelago share a landscape, climate and culture so extraordinary they will captivate you, win your heart as they did Luis Salvador of Austria, Chopin, Errol Flynn, Winston Churchill, Rubén Darío and Joan Miró. Also, far from homogeneous, each island has its own charm. To discover their individual personalities and explore their every corner, inter-island ferries and charters that make stopovers and specific trips are available to show you the variety and richness of these amazing island landscapes, as seen from the water.

Strategically located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic Islands have become an exceptional destination for tourists worldwide. This is due to their location in privileged surroundings, a mild climate year-round, and above all their first rate transportation facilities, making it easy to travel between islands in comfortable recreational boats.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Tramuntana Mountains in Mallorca, to the wide variety of habitats in the Albufera des Grau Nature Reserve in Maó, from the enchanting landscapes of Ses Salines on Ibiza to the wide stretches of sandy terrain on Formentara, the Balearics’ geography is so vast that to explore it fully, travel by boat is a must.

Recreational cruises

A large number of boat companies make trips between the islands’ main ports. Visitors can also travel the archipelago in private boats and drop anchor in coves that are difficult to access from the road. The islands’ ports have a variety of rental equipment and a wide range of services for those interested in recreational navigation. A significant part of the Mediterranean’s recreational navigation possibilities are concentrated in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, with moorings distributed between more than 60 ports. Some of these ports allow you to drop anchor inside, in crystalline waters and in the heart of nature, and are just a few minutes from the city center. The facilities are equipped with all the necessary services, and exist in harmony with the environment. Navigators will find everything they need to enjoy the Balearic Islands’ most exceptional spots.

For those interested in recreational navigation or to reach the islands most beautiful places by sea, visitors can choose from a variety of vessels: sailing ships, catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats and motorboats. Charter vessel companies feature fully licensed crews, permits and full guarantees for hiring. In this way, tourists have the opportunity to plan their excursions, and navigate and pilot their vessels with instruction and advice from professionals--an attractive way to peacefully enjoy the delights of the coast with a personalized navigation plan. After letting the crew know what course you have chosen and what expectations you have of the trip, you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience of sailing through crystal blue waters, between the Balearics’ secluded ports.

This is a different way to enjoy yourself at sea and experience the islands from their coasts, with a large variety of trips, individual and group activities for all ages.

The Balearic Islands are a true paradise for lovers of sea tourism, with countless coves and spots to drop anchor and explore. On board the boat you rent, each area of the islands is described, those places that most catch the navigator’s eye, suggestions to make your vacation unforgettable. In addition to these itineraries, trips of several days can also be made that include stopovers in strategic locations to give passengers a more intimate look at the islands. There are routes along the outskirts of Mallorca to La Cabrera, and others that link up with Ibiza and Formentara.

Day-trips from Mallorca are also organized, in which navigation is paired with enjoying the most beautiful anchoring places in the Balearic Islands, including: Espalmador, la Playa de Poniente or Cala Sahona, among others. These are places in which to take in breathtaking views at sunset, of beaches with crystal- clear waters and where you can savor the best of Mediterranean cuisine.
 

Find out more on our Travel Guide selection!

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New recipes at Spain-recipes.com

As I've told you before, we've been preparing some summer special recipes... Here they go:

• Ajo Blanco: Ajo Blanco, a white version of gazpacho, is believed to have originated with the Moors. If a silkier texture is desired, try soaking the blanched almonds in milk before processing. This will enhance the soup's delicate creaminess.
• Apple and Walnut Salad: This refreshing, crisp summer salad provides the perfect accompaniment to a glass (or two) of chilled Spanish sherry. For a tangier version, add a dash of lemon juice to the mayonnaise before mixing it into the salad.
• Champiñones al ajillo: Few tapas taste more Spanish than champiñones al ajillo (ajillo mushrooms), dripping with olive oil, garlic and dry Spanish Sherry.
• Chilled Paella Curry: This paella recipe demonstrates how the dish may succesfully use nontraditional ingredients. Here, the rice is made heavier with the generous use of sour cream and mayonnaise, which in turn provide a creamy balance to the artichokes, mushrooms, and stuffed olives. Chicken breast meat has been added for sustenance, and the dish is infused with the exotic taste of curry. Altough this recipe calls for the paella to be served chilled, you may serve it warm if you prefer. The chilled paella, however, makes an excellent picnic lunch.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: This is a classic dessert in Spain. Altough ice cream is not eaten at home, summer dinners many times end up at an 'Heladería' (ice cream stand) where Spaniards eat this one!
• Peach and orange Sangria: This sparkling sangría uses white wine instead of red, to better partner the vibrant peaches and oranges. A bit more potent than its sweet taste suggests, this sangria should be savored slowly.
• Citrus Sangria: This zesty sangria is specially refreshing thanks to the orange, lemon, and lime. Tangy and sweet, this drink tastes just like summer.

And don't forget to check out our new cookbook: Favourite Mediterranean Recipes!

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Enjoy!

Jordi Vallés