December 28, 2015
Salon des Fleurs, Madrid

Salon des Fleurs, Madrid

December 28, 2015
salon des fleurs madrid cafeteria floristeria flowers tea coffee cakes christmas

Who said that the best cafes are in Paris? I'm always on the lookout for the most amazing cafes and this time I've found the most beautiful one I've ever seen. A friend told me about Salon des Fleurs knowing my love for flowers and all things pretty. This cozy place in Madrid is a mixture of tea room/coffee place + flower shop. A pink door invites you in to experience what they call "vintage living".
December 14, 2015
Christmas Loaf Cake

Christmas Loaf Cake

December 14, 2015
Christmas loaf cake chestnut chocolate candied fruit recipe

Happy Monday everyone! I'm ecstatic for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Christmas is around the corner and I still get as excited as a kid waiting for Santa. I'm also happy because I have an amazing recipe to share with you today. This year I’ve ventured to do a more difficult one and I’m really happy I took the plunge because it’s the best one I’ve done so far! It's a mouth-watering chestnut and chocolate cake. Yes, I know we made a chestnut cake in October but here we are taking it to the next level. If you are looking for a Christmas desert keep scrolling down...
November 16, 2015
The Best Chocolate & Biscuit Cake

The Best Chocolate & Biscuit Cake

November 16, 2015
chocolate biscuit birthday cake strawberry berry almonds
Let's make the most delicious no-bake chocolate and biscuit cake. This is my family's favorite cake recipe and we love to make it on special occasions such as birthdays, mother's or father's day. Why is it so popular at home? The taste of the creamy chocolate as it melts in your mouth is out of this world. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and you only need pantry staple ingredients. Before you try it I should warn you that it's impossible to cut just one piece, it's seriously addictive!
chocolate biscuit birthday cake strawberry berry almonds
chocolate biscuit birthday cake strawberry berry almonds
For this comfort food recipe you only need three basic ingredients that you probably have in your house already: chocolate, milk and biscuits. It requires no oven are little time to make. It works great as a dessert or birthday cake but you can also dunk it in your milk for breakfast.

I'm going to show you two versions of the recipe: the strawberry one which is creamier and more suitable for celebrations and the walnut one which is healthier -has less fat- and better for every day breakfast. Both are equally delicious.
chocolate cake biscuits nuts
chocolate cake biscuits nuts
chocolate cake biscuits nuts

The Best Chocolate & Biscuit Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

Walnut version
300 gr dark chocolate (milk chocolate or white chocolate work too)
300 ml milk
20-30 plain rectangular biscuits
walnuts to decorate

Strawberry version If you want to make the chocolate creamier, use these ingredients instead:
200 gr of cream cheese
200 ml of cream
340 gr of dark chocolate (milk chocolate or white chocolate work too)
20-30 plain rectangular biscuits
berries to decorate

Directions:
Cook the chocolate and the milk until it becomes a thick mixture in a pot and stir constantly so that it won't stick to the bottom of the pot. Let it cool.

Line the mold with tin foil. Pour a layer of chocolate on the bottom and then put a layer of biscuits. You may need to cut some of them to fit the shape of the mold. The best is to use a loaf cake mold. Biscuits are supposed to be moistened before inserting/cutting them. You can use either milk or sweet wine for that.

Alternate layers of biscuits and chocolate until you run out of the latter. Finishing with a layer of biscuits. Put in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Turn it upside down on a tray and remove the mold carefully.

Decorate as you wish before serving. You can use nuts, berries, colorful iced biscuits or even macarons!
chocolate cake biscuits nuts
chocolate cake biscuits nuts
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chocolate biscuit birthday cake strawberry berry almonds
chocolate biscuit breakfast cake
October 26, 2015
The Most Spectacular Wineries in Spain and a Wine Harvest Festival

The Most Spectacular Wineries in Spain and a Wine Harvest Festival

October 26, 2015
wine harvest festival autumn fall leaves grapes

Being the daughter of a winemaker, my life has always been linked to wine. Our vacations consisted of visiting the main wineries in Bordeaux, the Champagne region, Porto or Napa and Sonoma. Now, even though I'm not a big fan of alcoholic drinks I've always regarded the whole process of wine making as art.
October 19, 2015
Mondays We Cook: Chestnut Cake

Mondays We Cook: Chestnut Cake

October 19, 2015
chestnut cake recipe pastel de castañas receta autumn fall otoño

Happy Monday, everyone! Rainy days and autumn leaves set me on the mood for all things fall. For me that means pumpkin spice lattes, hot chocolate and lots of evenings baking at home. Today, I'd like to share a delicious recipe which is perfect for this season. This chestnut cake is just what this weather calls for.
October 5, 2015
De Madrid al Cielo

De Madrid al Cielo

October 5, 2015
restaurant volvoreta eurostars madrid cuatro torres spain
Photo credit

De Madrid al Cielo (From Madrid to the Sky) is the official slogan for the Spanish capital. We literally lived by those words when we had dinner at the top of one of the four skyscrapers known as Cuatro Torres.
September 21, 2015
Paradores

Paradores

September 21, 2015
ruffles pink skirt tassel quilted bag ralph lauren purificacion garcia

Today I'd like to introduce you to a very special concept: Paradores de Turismo. It is a unique hotel chain committed to reclaiming the Spanish heritage.
September 8, 2015
What to do in Southern Portugal & Spain

What to do in Southern Portugal & Spain

September 8, 2015

isla canela ayamonte huelva españa spain

If you follow the blog you'll know that I recently spent a week in Southern Spain and I stayed at the Melia Atlántico Isla Canela. Today I want to show you things to do around the area.
August 31, 2015
Melia Atlantico Isla Canela

Melia Atlantico Isla Canela

August 31, 2015

Even though walking the streets of Paris was great fun, by the time we came back we were in much need of vitamin sea. So we packed our bags again and left for the south of Spain. We were ready for a week of beach, pool, buffet and repeat.
August 24, 2015
Disneyland: My Happy Place

Disneyland: My Happy Place

August 24, 2015
disneyland paris

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them - Walt Disney
August 17, 2015
An American in Paris: Ralph's

An American in Paris: Ralph's

August 17, 2015

Opened 2010, Ralph's, by Ralph Lauren, is an all-American restaurant in Paris. The place is a renovated 17th century town house. Being my all-time favorite designer, I was looking forward to trying it out. Since the weather was good we enjoyed lunch al fresco in their cozy patio. We felt like we had been transported to the Hamptons.
August 12, 2015
The Complete Travel Guide to Paris

The Complete Travel Guide to Paris

August 12, 2015


Paris is always a good idea. The city of love has captivated tourists and locals alike for centuries. This was my second time in Paris and I liked it even more than the first one. Now I hope to go back soon! I've put together a photo diary to help you out if you are organizing an upcoming trip to the city of light. 
July 26, 2015
Sierra de Francia

Sierra de Francia

July 26, 2015

Acuarelle by I. Simón

There's nothing like a weekend break to unwind, right? Last weekend I visited Sierra de Francia, a beautiful area near Salamanca in Spain. Together with some friends and my boyfriend, we beheld stunning landscapes and strolled around charming villages.
July 8, 2015
Stanford University

Stanford University

July 8, 2015


stanford university california

If I could have chosen any university in the world, I would have chosen Stanford no doubt. Not only because it is one of the most famous and prestigious universities in the world but also because of its magnificent architecture and the fact that it is in California. Do I need to say more?
June 29, 2015
4th of July Cupcakes

4th of July Cupcakes

June 29, 2015
4th of July cupcakes patriotic star-spangled

Happy Monday everyone! Many of you may be making plans to celebrate the 4th of July this weekend. Are you struggling to find a delicious and original recipe? I know that Pinterest is full of ideas but I find many of them are too complicated and tedious to make. So if you are looking for a quick and no fuss treat, these cupcakes in star-spangled colors are a life saver. These enticing delicacies are wonderful for sharing with family and friends. A guaranteed crowd pleaser!
June 15, 2015
Mondays We Cook: Fish Cake

Mondays We Cook: Fish Cake

June 15, 2015
fish cake recipe

Happy Monday sweethearts! Let's kick off the new week with a recipe perfect for hot summer days. A dish that is served cold. If you follow the blog you should know that I have a sweet tooth and that I often post cake recipes. Even though this one is also a cake, we are leaving sweet flavors aside this week. This fish cake is full of protein, healthier than meat (I'm trying to cut on meat as much as I can) and is very tasty thanks to flavorful olives.
June 9, 2015
Memories of San Diego

Memories of San Diego

June 9, 2015
seaport village san diego california

When I was little I dreamed of living in Los Angeles. Once I graduated from university I started planning my California adventure, whims of fate I ended up in San Francisco instead of the City of Angels. That turn of events allowed me to explore places I hadn't been so curious about before. The City by the Bay stole my heart and I found L.A. an utter disappointment. So San Diego became my second favorite city in California. Why? I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
May 24, 2015
Biscuiteers of London

Biscuiteers of London

May 24, 2015

biscuiteers notting hill london

Before traveling to London I had noted down a few places I didn't want to come back without seeing. One of them was Biscuiteers. Weeks before I had seen a photo of it on Pinterest and I had fallen in love with it.
May 12, 2015
When in London - Part 2

When in London - Part 2

May 12, 2015
Portobello road london
May 7, 2015
When in London - Part 1

When in London - Part 1

May 7, 2015

big ben london eye
April 27, 2015
Luzern and Weggis-Rigi, Switzerland

Luzern and Weggis-Rigi, Switzerland

April 27, 2015

lucerne luzern switzerland

I'm an extremely organized traveler. A few days before the trip I make a schedule including all the places I want to visit, even restaurants where I want to eat to try the local cuisine. Not only do I look for monuments but also cute little shops and picturesque sites to immortalize with my camera. When planning my trip to Switzerland there was a place mentioned in every single website or travel guide I browsed: Luzern.
April 16, 2015
GHD V gold classic styler

GHD V gold classic styler

April 16, 2015
ghd V rose gold classic styler

I have curly hair. It's also thin, quite dry but, fortunately, not frizzy. I embrace my natural curls the day I wash my hair. They are perfectly formed, voluminous and shiny. The problem comes the following day, after sleeping it looks much worse. Curls are flat and not shiny any more. And that short new hair looks crazy, every hair going in a different direction and impossible to tame. You may think the solution would be washing it every day but that is not good for your hair. Besides, as I said it's dry so it doesn't get dirty easily. I actually only need to wash my hair twice a week (I do shower every day though ;)).
April 13, 2015
Mondays We Cook: Custard-Battered French Toast with Hazelnuts & Strawberries

Mondays We Cook: Custard-Battered French Toast with Hazelnuts & Strawberries

April 13, 2015
Custard-Battered French Toast with Hazelnuts & Strawberries recipe

There are some recipes that I only make once a year. Why? I don't really know. Probably because I enjoy eating them even more. It makes the recipe more special. It's like Christmas treats. You only eat them at that time of the year. If you ate them now it'd feel like cheating, right? Such is the case of French toast. In Spain it's very typical to have it around Easter time. There are many different versions but we always like to pair them with a hot cup of chocolate. 
March 26, 2015
Reminiscing of Switzerland

Reminiscing of Switzerland

March 26, 2015

Zurich, Switzerland

Once again I find myself thinking about Switzerland, a country that has become dear to my heart. Specially on days like this that I daydream about traveling the world.
March 18, 2015
Welcome to China(Town)

Welcome to China(Town)

March 18, 2015
 

There are so many reasons why I love San Francisco, I'd need several posts to explain them all. The main reason is its variety. The city by the bay is the epitome of the melting pot. A walk around some of its neighborhoods will make you believe you are Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days.
March 9, 2015
Mondays We Cook: Mushroom, Ham & Tomato Quiche

Mondays We Cook: Mushroom, Ham & Tomato Quiche

March 9, 2015
Mushroom, Ham & Tomato Quiche Recipe

In honor of Saint Patrick, which is celebrated on the 17th of March, this is going to be Irish week on the blog. We are going to kick off with a recipe I brought back from Ireland. If you follow the blog you may know that I've lived in different English speaking countries. I spent my Erasmus year in Ireland. If you don't live in Europe you may not be familiar with that term. The Erasmus grant is given to European students so that they can study for an academic year in another European university. Thanks to this scholarship I was able to study at the prestigious Trinity College Dublin. I will tell you more about that experience some other time. Now let's get down to business.
March 2, 2015
Chocolateria San Gines

Chocolateria San Gines

March 2, 2015
Chocolate con churros - San Gines - Madrid

The best way to either start or end your day in Madrid is with chocolate con churros at San Gines. Located in central Madrid, they have been serving Spain's most popular breakfast since 1894. It is open 24/7 every day of the year so there is no excuse to leave Madrid without paying them a visit.
January 26, 2015
Spanish Olive Oil Muffins

Spanish Olive Oil Muffins

January 26, 2015
homemade muffins olive oil spanish magdalena casera
Olive oil muffins are one of Spain's favorite breakfast baked goods. Their Spanish name is magdalenas and they are cute mini sponge cakes in a cup. They are extremely easy to make and you only need 5 basic ingredients which are pantry staples: olive oil, flour, baking powder, sugar and eggs. Once you master this Spanish muffin recipe you can get creative and add more things to it such as chocolate chips, berries or nuts.

As much as we Spaniards love our magdalenas, it is believed that they actually originated in France. Madeleines were baked by a young maid named Madeleine Paulmier for the King of Poland in 1751. As for their appearance in Spain, people say that they made their appearance in Spain during the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. 


This is an old family recipe and it's one of my favorites so I hope you'll enjoy it as well. Keep on reading to get a little taste of Spain.
homemade muffins olive oil spanish magdalena casera
homemade muffins olive oil spanish magdalena casera

Spanish Olive Oil Muffin Recipe

This is what you'll need:
9 eggs
500 gr of sugar
500 gr of olive oil
500 gr of flour
20 gr of baking powder

Serves about 35 muffins

Tips: 

  • As with any other recipe, the quality of the ingredients is extremely important so I advice you to get extra-virgin olive oil to make magdalenas.
  • If you want to keep them fresh longer, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container.

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 200 ºC. Line muffin tray with paper muffin cases.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Fill muffin cases two thirds full (this is important for the perfect size muffins) and bake in the middle of the oven for 25-30 minutes. 
  4. Leave to cool...or enjoy warm!
If you have posted any recipes of muffins or cupcakes on your blog feel free to leave a link on the comments below. I'd love to see them.
You can find more recipes here.
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homemade muffins olive oil spanish magdalena casera


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January 20, 2015
Old Swiss House

Old Swiss House

January 20, 2015
luzern switzerland

I'm an extremely organized person and I try to keep my blog as organized as possible too. However, some weeks I find myself jumping from some topic to another which seems to mirror ramblings of my mind. Let me explain myself. The original idea was to do 3 posts every week: a recipe, a fashion post and a travel post. Keeping up with that schedule is easy during the holidays but not so much when you have a day job. On weeks like this I end up blogging about memories that come to mind. Today I'm going back to the beautiful city of Luzern in Switzerland.
January 16, 2015
Somewhere in La Mancha: Puerto Lapice

Somewhere in La Mancha: Puerto Lapice

January 16, 2015
venta de don quijote la mancha españa spain

Happy Friday! If you've been following the blog lately you'll now we've been in search of Don Quixote visiting the places that appear on Cervantes' novel. The last stop is Puerto Lapice, another town somewhere in La Mancha.
January 11, 2015
Somewhere in La Mancha: Almagro

Somewhere in La Mancha: Almagro

January 11, 2015
almagro spain españa corral de comedias

Happy Sunday, sweeties! I hope you are enjoying the weekend. Today, we continue our tour in search of Don Quixote. Our next stop is another town "Somwhere in La Mancha...". Almagro, heart of La Mancha and one of Spain's most historic towns, where every street tells a story.
January 6, 2015
Sweet du Jour: Roscon de Reyes

Sweet du Jour: Roscon de Reyes

January 6, 2015
roscon de reyes


Roscon de Reyes is a traditional Spanish ring-shaped cake baked for the festival of Epiphany at the end of the Christmas season. It is commemorated on January 6 and celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. 
January 2, 2015
In Search of Don Quixote

In Search of Don Quixote

January 2, 2015
don quixote windmills near toledo spain quijote

"Somewhere in La Mancha, in a place whose name I do not care to remember..." These are the first words of Don Quixote, a book widely considered as being the first modern novel. It is also thought by many as one of the greatest books ever written.