Popular Desserts in Spain

Spain has several different regions and several different and unique desserts in each. Every culture who has visited Spain has left their mark on Spanish desserts by bringing new treats from simple to elegant to be enjoyed at the end of the Spanish meal. With the help of La Tienda and www.spanishfood.com, this article contains five of the most popular desserts that are served throughout Spain. The recipes can be found at www.foodtv.com or www.spanishfood.com if you wish to add a little bit of Spain to the end of your meal.

1. Sorbete de Limon (Lemon Sorbet). A wonderful dessert that is served all year long, but is especially enjoyed during summer months. Sweet and tart, easy to make and abounds with citrus from the Mediterranean. Because of the weather, citrus grows all year long and this dessert thus is standard favorite.

2. Brazo de Gitano (Swiss Roll). Every culture has their own version of this dessert. The Spanish version is a light spongy cake that is rolled with a light cream and or jellies before it is rolled. Further is it covered in chocolate. Another favorite filling is an egg custard and covered in powdered sugar. When it comes to jams and jellies, peach and strawberry are mostly used; however any flavor works well.

3. Higo al Brandy (Figs in Brandy). An elegant dessert that can take on two different forms depending on the season. During the Spring and Fall, the figs are poached fresh. However, dried figs are also used whenever fresh figs are not available. This is a popular dessert for adults. The figs are gently poached in a good brandy that has been mixed with sugar. The figs then take on the flavor of the Brandy syrup. Enjoyed either by themselves or served or ice cream.

4. Bienmesable (Almond Cream).Akin the American Marshmallow Cream in texture, but much more in flavor. It is made with ground almonds, sugar syrup, cinnamon and lemon zest. This thick gooey and heavy cream is most often served over ice cream.

5. Cookies. While there are many different types of cookies, there are two that are the favorites. (1) Mantecados - rich and crumbly. They melt in your mouth and have a slight anise flavor. They are the favorite at Christmas time; and (2) Polvorones - Almond cookies. This little jewels are melt in your mouth and crumbly. They are also dusty with powdered sugar.