Studying a foreign language could make you smarter. According to a new study from the University of Chicago, people make more rational decisions when thinking in a foreign language, because it forces us to use the more analytical side of our brains. If you're looking to learn a language, you could certainly do worse than Spanish. It's the third most-spoken language in the world, and Hispanics Read more

Ever since my trip to Barcelona, I love to travel back down memory lane by making the dessert I discovered on my travels, crema catalana. Many of us have had crème brûlée, that famous French dessert that Amélie loved to crack with a spoon, and this Spanish caramelized custard will surely give you the same satisfaction. The Spanish recipe is lighter, since the custard is milk-based, unlike the Read more

Every Thursday, I drop by the Crocker Galleria Farmers Market near the Sugar offices to take a look at the latest in-season produce. Yesterday, I spotted something I hadn't seen before: bite-sized, velveteen-sheened padrón peppers. Although these chiles are typically in season from mid-June all the way through September, this was the first I'd seen of them. Have you spotted some at your market? Read more

With Spanish cuisine being a huge trend these days, you may have come across Spanish paprika on a recipe's ingredient list. Also known as pimentón, this spice is becoming very popular in the United States. But what exactly is Spanish paprika and what makes it so special? Well, there are two kinds of Spanish paprika: smoked and nonsmoked. Smoked paprika is known as Pimentón de la Vera; it's Read more

There's no better way to celebrate the weekend than with a cocktail and some good company. Kick things into gear with this easy and delicious recipe for sangria. The red wine liqueur mixture is infused with peaches and strawberries, and it's topped with a little bit of sparkling water to provide a nice effervescence. The lemon wedge garnish is essential: it adds an tart balance to the concoction. Read more

If you've visited Spain, chances are, you've sampled patatas bravas. They're a standard tapa at just about every restaurant: a fried, bite-sized piece of potato, that's smothered in a slightly spicy paprika- and mayonnaise-based sauce. I fell in love with the simplicity of the dish years ago, but only recently tried to re-create this classic dish in my own kitchen. Traditionally, the potato Read more

Romesco sauce is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated sauces out there. The traditional dish, which is native to Spain's Catalonia region, is a mixture of almonds, garlic, oil, and roasted red peppers. I don't have it that often, but when I do, I always wonder why I don't eat it more! It has a gorgeous color, thick texture, and slightly sweet nutty flavor. Think of it as a red pesto and use Read more