Spanish Recipes for Mantecados and
Hispanic Society of America
These Spanish recipes are not just for baking. Feeding both one’s stomach and mind guarantees a well-balance, nutritious diet.
In between mixing ingredients for mantecados, I thought of a recent trip to the Hispanic Society of America. Existing for over a century, it is a free museum and reference library for the study of arts and cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.
The gate leading to the Hispanic Society
Founded by Archer Miller Hungtington (1870-1955) in 1904, the Hispanic Society has an extensive collection of decorative arts from these countries. Ceramics, Spanish lusterware, ancient and classical sculptures, paintings, prints and photographs filled the exhibition areas.
A statue of EL CID and Spanish flag in front of the entrance
Located in New York City, between 155th and 156th Streets on Broadway, the Hispanic Society opens to the public at no charge. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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The Hispanic Society of America is only one of many “must see and bake” Spanish recipes. The other is mantecados. These cookies have the texture of shortbread and are very easy to make. Ingredients are:
Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
Grated lemon | 1 Tbsp |
or orange peel | |
All purpose flour, sifted | 2 cups |
Blanched almonds, | ½ cup |
very finely ground | |
Egg | 1 large |
for eggwash |
In case you wonder, I chose the easy way out by dropping dough by tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheets and bake. They came out just as good for my taste. I hope that you enjoy these Spanish recipes.