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Spanish cooking holiday in Andalucia: April 2009

Spring is the perfect time for a cooking vacation in Andalucia. The sun shines gently and the early vegetables and wayside herbs are at their best. We’ll prepare sumptuous dishes for dinner parties, cook with sherry, quince, garlic and pistachios, feast on authentic tapas and learn the secrets of Spanish baking.

We’ll also explore the culture of Andalucia with visits to the fabulous fruit and vegetable market in Malaga and bodegas in the Sierra Nevada mountain villages with their local cheeses and hams. Lastly, we’ll spend two days in the historic city of Granada including a visit to the fabled Alhambra Palace.

Contents of this page

• The detailed programme
• The price and what's included
• How to contact us and how to book

The detailed programme

Day One:  Monday 20th April

Arrival day: Come to Malaga airport and from there to our recommended hotel.

Day Two: Tuesday 21st April

Morning: You will meet Kim Schiffer, your chef and cooking teacher and Anne Hunt, owner of Casa Ana. They will be your guides around the fabulous Malaga market where you will buy fruit and vegetables, meats and fish for the course.

Afternoon: Malaga was the birthplace of the great artist Pablo Picasso, and we’ll visit the Picasso Museum, an old palace that houses a permanent collection of his work.

From there, we’ll take the scenic drive along the coast then up into the mountains to Casa Ana, arriving in time for a welcome drink and tapas before dinner.

Day Three: Wednesday 22nd April

In the morning Anne will take you through the almond groves to a hidden natural spring where we can collect pure mountain drinking water. We will also have our first glimpse of ancient terraces and mule paths, built centuries ago by the Moors, and the traditional village threshing grounds that dot the hillsides.

We’ll have lunch at Casa Ana and in the afternoon chef Kim will teach a baking class with sweet and savoury treats such as Bitter Chocolate Coffee and Cardamom Truffle Cake, Orange Flan, Cherry and Custard Tart and tangy Manchego Crackers.

Day Four: Thursday 23rd April

After breakfast we’ll go to the high mountain village of Capileira with its stunning views of Mulhacen and Veleta, the two highest peaks in mainland Spain. From there Anne will lead a short hike and for those who prefer to stay in the village, there will be opportunities for visiting a traditional bakery, shopping, postcard-writing and watching the world go by over coffee in the plaza.

We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon Kim will introduce you to the variety and splendour of authentic tapas. You’ll learn to prepare Prawns with Oyster Mushrooms and Manzanilla Sherry, Tortilla Espanola, Quail Baked in Flatbread with Pistachio Sauce and Grilled Spring Onions and Wild Asparagus with Romesco Sauce … to name but a few.

Day Five: Friday 24th April

In the morning, herbologist Julio Donat will take us into the mountains to pick wild herbs for our cooking. He’ll also tell us about the uses of herbs in traditional medicine.

The afternoon will be free: the ideal time to chill out on the terrace, write postcards or explore the village of Ferreirola.

Dinner will be at Casa Ana.

Day Six: Saturday 25th April

In the morning we’ll go to the village of Pampaneira in the Poqueira valley and visit the wonderful bodega there to sample the local tangy cheeses, fortified wines and jamon serrano for which the area is famous. From Pampaneira we’ll take a picnic lunch to the beautiful Poqueira river gorge. There we’ll feast on Fig and Walnut Tapenade with Assorted Cheeses, local breads, Two Bean and Olive Salad, a delicious Almond Torte, and more.

In the afternoon Kim will lead a class to prepare a sumptuous Spanish dinner. Recipes will include Sangria with Fresh Fruit, a traditional soup such as Gazpacho or Ajo Blanco, Grilled Fish with Allioli, Lamb Slow Cooked with Artichokes and Mint, Roast Duck with Membrillo and Sherry, Salad with Pedro Ximenez Dressing, Cheesecake Torte with Pine Nut Glaze … and more.

Day Seven: Sunday 26th April

A free morning or come with Anne on a two-hour hike from Casa Ana.

In the afternoon Francisco Lillo will take you out on to the terrace to cook the perfect paella on an open fire – with traditional side-dishes. After dinner we’ll stay out on the terrace for some flamenco guitar under the stars.

Day Eight: Monday 27th April

After breakfast we’ll leave Casa Ana and travel to Granada. Here we’ll visit La Carte des Vins bodega where Juan Antonio Barato will offer a wine-tasting with wines from several regions of Spain. Then there will be time to explore the old city of Granada with its shops and squares, cathedral and Moroccan quarter.

Later in the afternoon we’ll visit the traditional Arab baths. As we soak in the relaxing hot baths, we are soothed by the scent of neroli oil and soft Andalous style music.

In the evening, Francisco Lillo invites us to for dinner at his delicatessen with an opportunity to sample a wonderful range of gourmet delicacies, olive oils, cheeses and wines.

Day Nine: Tuesday 28th April

After breakfast we’ll head for the fabulous 13th century Alhambra (Red Castle), the last stronghold of the Moorish rulers in Spain, with its palaces, fountains, shady courtyards and gardens – a feast for the soul and one of the wonders of the world.

From there we’ll have lunch at one of Granada’s tapas bars.

Later in the afternoon we’ll drive from Granada to Malaga for a last evening celebrating Spanish cuisine at a traditional restaurant.

Day Ten: Wednesday 29th April

Departure day.

Prices

Price:  EUR 2,440 including accommodation (based on sharing a room with one other person), meals and wines, tuition, excursions and airport transfers.

The price does not include: flights, airport transfer on arrival day, hotel or dinner on arrival day. Single accommodation is available for a supplement – please contact us for prices. Numbers will be limited to 12 so don’t hesitate to sign up. It will fill quickly!

How to book

In order that we can give maximum personal attention to each participant, there are only 12 places available on each cooking course.

To book a place on any of our cooking holidays or for more information contact Anne at Casa Ana, tel: 0034 958 766 270 or email: info@casa-ana.com

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