Can you think of a more delightful gift or stocking stuffer? Pan de Cádiz is a distinctive confection made from thick slices of pumpkin and watermelon surrounded by sweet potato, ground Marcona almonds, sugar, egg white and cinnamon.

Antonio Colomina, the celebrated master of turrón, has created for us a classic sweet cake in the fanciful form of a piglet. It is perfect with coffee or served as a dessert.

The recipe comes from the magical city of Cádiz -- a very narrow peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Founded by the Phoenicians, people have lived there for over 3,000 years. (I bet that you did not know that Hercules founded Cádiz -- at least that's what they tell us). Because of its unique location, some of the Cádiz cuisine is theirs alone.  (more info)

Can you think of a more delightful gift or stocking stuffer? Pan de Cádiz is a distinctive confection made from thick slices of pumpkin and watermelon surrounded by sweet potato, ground Marcona almonds, sugar, egg white and cinnamon.

Antonio Colomina, the celebrated master of turrón, has created for us a classic sweet cake in the fanciful form of a piglet. It is perfect with coffee or served as a dessert.

The recipe comes from the magical city of Cádiz -- a very narrow peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Founded by the Phoenicians, people have lived there for over 3,000 years. (I bet that you did not know that Hercules founded Cádiz -- at least that's what they tell us). Because of its unique location, some of the Cádiz cuisine is theirs alone.

The Colomina families have been artisan turrón makers for generations. Antonio's father and their fathers before them have been making handmade turrón in the village of Jijona (Alicante) from Marcona almonds and pure honey since the early 19th century.

Originally they only made turrón on a seasonal basis. Towards the end of the 19th century the Colomina family began taking the handmade products to Barcelona just prior to the Christmas season where the family would sell their artisan products in the city. The enterprise was so successful that by 1908 the family established themselves in Barcelona where they opened four shops in the Gothic Quarter of the city.

The same original stores are open today. One is located at Cucurulla Nº 2; another at Portaferssa Nº 8, the third at Quevedo Nº 9, and a fourth store on la Gran de Gracia Nº 57. Visitors from all over the world have experienced the charm and warmth of coming into any one of these historical shops in Barcelona. Nothing has changed from the early days when their doors first opened. They are landmarks in the city.

We discovered Casa Colomina on Cucurulla Nº 2 this past year while attending a food show in Barcelona. We immediately were attracted to the magnificent early 1900's display window proudly showing the Jijona and Alicante style turrones which were obviously made in Jijona, as each of Antonio's products display the Denominación de Origen 'Jijona'.

The Colomina family now lives year round in Barcelona but travels back and forth to the village of Jijona where their original 19th century factory still stands today. These products are made by hand, and have become recognized around the world as the finest of all artisan turrones.

  (less info)