Ajo Blanco is the cool, refreshing almond soup from Granada, and a delicious variation on the typical gazpacho. It is smooth and savory with a delicate creaminess from the ground almonds.

Traditionally Ajo Blanco is served with grapes or melon or topped with roasted Marcona almonds. In Andalucía it is often served with raisins or diced apple. It also pairs well with crisp white wines, such as manzanilla. It is a great addition to a picnic -- just store chilled ajo blanco in a Thermos and tuck it in your picnic basket.

Ajo Blanco soup was traditionally served to laborers in Andalucía as a mid-morning snack to hydrate and nourish them in the heat of the day. The almonds and bread used in Ajo Blanco were a great source of energy for the workers.

This soup is made by a small group of women in rural Córdoba from crushed almonds, bread, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. They founded Despensa la Nuestra when the local sugar beet factory closed. They wished to create both jobs and authentic, easy to prepare Spanish food which would assist other Spanish women working outside the home. With the help of Despensa products, working women can still manage to serve their families quality Spanish dishes at home without sacrificing their valuable free time.

The mothers of Despensa la Nuestra start work every day before dawn so that when their daily tasks are finished, they will have plenty of time to collect their children from school.

The Despensa La Nuestra products are carefully and thoughtfully produced to taste as close to homemade as you will find without having prepared the food yourself. They use top quality produce from local farms and never add any coloring or preservatives.

Serve chilled and refrigerate after opening.