Sangria Recipe.

Many variations of sangria have been made and even the most basic recipe is never the same, all bars and restraunts have their own version. Some versions of the drink even being served warm, which would be very similar to the hot mulled punch served at Christmas time in many homes.
Experts agree that Sangria is best when left to infuse for a few hours in the fridge, preferably overnight if possible. Many bars and restraunts tend to use their cheap house wine, but a better quality drink will result from using the best ingredients.
The fruit also plays a large part in the flavour, and if making your own its best to experiment with various fruits. For an unusual twist try using cranberrys, melon, peach, pear or grapefruit and mango. Here is a good fruity recipe for your party, but you can swap the red wine for a white wine (even try sparkling wine) and change the fruits according to your taste.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups (26 fl. oz) dry red wine

• 1/3 cup (3 oz) sugar

• 1/3 cup brandy

• 1/3 cup Cointreau

• 1/3 lemon-flavored vodka

• 1 small lemon, sliced crosswise

• 1 small orange, sliced crosswise

• 1 small lime, sliced crosswise

• 1 medium pear, diced

• 2 medium peach, peeled, pitted and sliced

• 2 cups (8 oz) sliced strawberries

• 1 bottle carbonated lemon-lime soda

Preparation

In a sangria pitcher, combine all ingredients except the strawberries and soda.

Chill in the refrigerator overnight. Immediately before serving, stir the strawberries and lemon-lime soda. Pour into chilled glasses and serve.

More art from Lloret de Mar

Going back to October 5th I published some photo's from the painting competition held here in Lloret. All very good as I'm sure you'll agree!

As you wander around Lloret though, its a shame to see that just about every blank wall is covered in graffiti. Some is just messy scribble which spoils the look of the town. I often wonder what some holiday makers must think when they are walking round and come across this mess!

I must say though that some of the street artist's work is very good and quite colourful. The examples shown here are in the El Reiral district, its almost like taking a walk around an art gallery!

Even then this is just a few shots of the best. Much of this long stretch is still covered in the same mess as the rest of the town. Maybe its time for a massive clean-up?

Lloret de Mar Events

Last week-end there were activities for all the family in Lloret, the main one was an organised bike ride all round the town. All you had to do was to turn up with your own bicycle and then the riders had the freedom to ride the course with the police stopping traffic while the bikes passed by. Even little toddlers were riding along side their parents. At the end of the ride near the beach in Lloret drinks, butifarra and tomato bread was given out to all those who took part.

Other activities were abseiling down the cliffs, bouncy castles and the long slide (see above) which went from the cliff tops down to the beach.

English Bookshop in Lloret

I recently called into the English Book Cupboard in Lloret looking for some possible info about Lloret back in the days when tourism was just starting here, and was very surprised at the vast amount and variety of books for sale. Kevin the owner was very helpful but told me that the shop is sadly closing at the end of this month. The shop can currently be found in the small street directly behind the church, hopefully he will be relocating to new premises in the new year.

The Book Cupboard has its own website which gives all details of opening times etc,
and Kevin also explains how he hopes to continue making books available to readers by other means during the time the shop is closed, e.g. the monthly Sunday market in Lloret (held every 2nd Sunday of the month) To keep up to date of Kevins plans you can visit his site where you will find the latest news and also a link for his email address.

Lloret de Mar Events

Paintings from the 'Rapid Painting Contest' are now on show in the town. Here you can see four from the exhibition. The top painting won 1st prize of €1000. The 2nd prize of €800 went to the artist of the painting below.

Thanks to Angie for the photos.