Typically, a light breakfast starts out the day. This may consist of coffee and a small roll or piece of bread. Following breakfast, will be a mid-morning brunch, usually around 11:00 a.m. A large 3-4 course lunch occurs between 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. An evening tapas would be enjoyed around 6-8 p.m. Dinner is eaten late, usually around 10:00 p.m.

A large part of the Spanish cuisine is "tapas": small portions of food, both hot and cold. Served in wine bars and taverns, tapas make a great snack between the larger meals. While each establishment has its own tapas menu, typical tapas include Boquerones (small white fish fillets in oil), Albondigas (meatballs, usually in tomato sauce), Heuvos en Maynesa (eggs in mayonaise), Callos (tripe with chickpeas), Magro (pork pieces in tomato sauce), Tortilla (spanish omlette), and Gambas Pil Pil (prawns in a hot garlic oil).

While Spanish cuisine does vary by region, certain dishes can be found almost everywhere.

•Tortilla: spanish omlette, made with egg and potatoes
•Gazpacho: soup made with tomatoes, pepper, bread, garlic, water, and onion (served cold)
•Paella: rice, salt, tomatoes, paprika, oil, shellfish, and saffron
•Rice Pudding: rice, milk and cinnamon
•Migas: pepper, meat, black pudding, chorizo, and bread or flour

There are also many ingredients that are consistently used throughout the country. "Jamon serrano", or mountain ham, salt-cured instead of smoked, is a common ingredient in Spanish cuisine. Olives, especially home-cured olives are popular, as is olive oil of which Spain produces more than any other country. Spices such as garlic, and saffron are also used throughout the country. Peppers, especially pimientos are widely used in Spanish cooking, as well as red and green bell peppers, red piquillo peppers, and hot chilies. With 3,000 miles of coastline, Spanish chefs also make use of the abundant amount of fish and seafood available to them.

Enjoy the tastes of Spain, by making one of these authentic dishes. Please have Adult Supervision while making these recipes, and enjoy!!

• Gazpacho
• Rice Pudding

Also try a related word search puzzle:

• Spain