By: Dèlia Rubio
Hey there! As the leaves start to change and the air gets a little crisp, I can't help but feel excited about this time of year in Barcelona, where I’m from. While many of you might be preparing for Halloween, here in Catalonia, we celebrate something special called La Castanyada. It’s a unique blend of traditions that truly captures the essence of fall.
So what is La Castanyada?
La Castanyada takes place on October 31, just like Halloween, but it has its unique charm. The tradition involves bringing our loved ones together to remember those we’ve lost. We visit cemeteries, lay down flowers, and take a moment to reflect on the memories we cherish. It’s a bittersweet yet joyful time, as we celebrate life while enjoying the season's treats together.
But one of the main reasons I love La Castanyada is how instead of focusing on all the spooky stuff, we celebrate with roasted chestnuts. Imagine wandering through the streets with the smell of chestnuts roasting, it's such a cozy and nostalgic smell! Alongside the chestnuts, we have panellets, which are delicious almond treats made especially for this occasion. They’re sweet, tasty, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Making Your Own Panellets
If you’re looking to bring a taste of Catalonia into your home, why not try making panellets? They’re surprisingly easy to bake and make for great treats to share during this festive time.
Ingredients:
● 250 g almond flour
● 250 g sugar
● 1egg
● 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
● 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
● Pine nuts (for decoration)
● A little egg yolk (for brushing)
Instructions:
Mix: In a bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, egg, and optional lemon zest until you have a smooth dough.
Shape: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about the size of walnuts. Feel free to get creative with shapes!
Decorate: Roll some of the balls in pine nuts for a lovely coating, then place them on a baking tray.
Brush: Beat the egg yolk and brush it on top of the panellets for a nice shine.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the panellets for about 10-12 minutes, until they’re golden. By the way, how cute would it be to use this Paris Hilton oven mitt set that says "That's Hot" while baking? You’ve got to check it out, I’m obsessed!
Enjoy: Let them cool before diving in! These panellets are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying during a cozy night in.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the beautiful traditions of La Castanyada! It’s a wonderful celebration that blends the warmth of community, delicious treats, and the spirit of remembrance. If you ever find yourself in Catalunya during this time, I highly recommend experiencing it firsthand. It’s a magical way to embrace the fall season and create lasting memories with friends and family.
To add if you want to recreate in a more fun way you can merge Halloween with La Castanyada. Picture this: carving a pumpkin on your porch while enjoying some homemade
Here are two articles to embrace the European fall vibes:
Comments