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| OUR NEW YEAR'S TARTA. |
After a New Year's Eve dinner at home, we walked over to Plaza de la Constitución with Judyshannonstreetwhat, our three dozen grapes and three little bottles of cava (Spanish champagne).
Like we did last year (our first New Year's Eve in Fuengirola), we waited with the crowds for the church bells to chime midnight, at which time we would eat one grape with each chime to guarantee good luck for the coming year.
Midnight this year arrived with no bells. Everyone checked their watches and phones... and waited. The bells had been a bit behind the clock last year, also.
By 12:03, everyone was a bit restless. And at 12:05, we all began popping grapes and drinking cava. Not a very promising start to the New Year, but I've been told of people who start eating their grapes 15 minutes before midnight because they can't swallow them that quickly. Others, who don't like grapes, eat chocolates. And still others eat grape jelly beans. So, maybe the requirements aren't all that strict.
Wishing you a new year filled with ringing bells.
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| YOU CAN SIT ON BALTHAZAR'S LAP IN THE TENT AT RIGHT. HERE, WE TELL THE THREE KINGS WHAT WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS. |
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| STILL 2014. |
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"We gonna find what it's all about..."
I had never heard of the grapes before this year... now I suppose I'll have to add those to my pork, cabbage and black-eyed peas to ensure health, wealth and happiness each year? If this keeps up, I may still be eating by midnight the next day!
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteIt's a really fun tradition. But better done with SMALL SEEDLESS grapes. We know that from experience!
Mitchell in my opinion it was great enter to 2105. I would like to try Sapnish champagne
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteI love "cava." It can only be called champagne if it comes from the Champagne region of France. I'm not picky. So, I've enjoyed every cava I've tried!
I was alarmed for a moment by the title of the first photo. Who told! Ah, memories.
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteOops! That was a typo. It was supposed to be "tarta," and thanks to you it's been corrected.
My eyes fixated on the cava.
ReplyDeleteWhere do I get some? Is it any good? What brands do you recommend? oh oh oh.
Spo:
DeleteHere's an interesting explanation of cava: http://www.spanishwine.com/information-wine/what-is-cava-wine/
I love it all, but then I've never been known to say, "No rubbish," when it comes to cava. So I'm not the one to ask.
I love the grape tradition and just might do that next year.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteIt IS a really fun tradition. Just make sure you've got a clock that is guaranteed to chime.
I think I could eat 12 grapes in one handful. Two, max. But here's another thought: a sip of wine (or cava) with each ring of the bell. That's grapes, right?
ReplyDeleteWalt the Fourth:
DeleteWe have one friend who hates grapes. He eats 12 jelly beans instead. Someone else eats 12 pieces of chocolate. I think it's breaking the rules, but whatever floats your boat. I think you should drink a GLASS of wine/cava/champagne or each chime.
I've found my way here from Ken's and Walt's blogs, and have been enjoying reading about your life in Spain. The grape-eating binge for New Year's Eve has never appealed to me, but your cake/tart/whatever certainly does!
ReplyDeleteBetty:
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by and for commenting. Sorry to take so long to reply! I love the grape-eating binge myself. But then I love grapes. Our first year, we bought huge, plump grapes. And they weren't seedless! It wasn't easy, but I did it. The chocolate tarta (tart was a typo; and tarta is what they call cakes here) was delicious, but after the amazing things San Geraldo baked through the holiday, everything store-bought was disappointing.
I like the grape tradition as well.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year you guys!
Jim:
DeleteIt's almost time to wish you a happy Valentine's Day!
Aw, man, what a let-down to have no bells at midnight... or midnight +1... or midnight + 2.
ReplyDeleteLove that cake thing!!
Judy:
DeleteIt was a strange night. The national TV channel that broadcasts the chimes at midnight for everyone all over the country aired two chimes and then switched to a commercial!!!
Happy 2015, Mitchell! Hope the Reyes Magos treat you guys well and that this year is full of happiness, health, and love!
ReplyDeleteBrittany:
DeleteWishing you all that for yourselves in your first year of wedded bliss!
Why must you always tease with mention and/or photo of chocolate, Mitchell?
ReplyDeleteI think I'll reside over an anti-John Mayer club. I just can't appreciate him. What's up with those stupid white sunglasses? Why'd he dump Jennifer Aniston (or maybe she dumped him, and she doesn't appear to make brilliant choices herself)? Mostly, though, I cannot stand the song "Say What You Need to Say." He keeps singing that one line and never gets to the point.
At any rate, I hope you and your beloved are having a wonderful start to the new year. xo
Robyn:
DeleteYeah, I don't know why I used that John Mayer video. I must have been rushed. Never again. I promise.
Does it matter that I think of you every time I post something about chocolate? I really do!
Happy New Year to both of You!
ReplyDeleteLaurent:
DeleteThanks so much. Hope your first month of 2015 has been filled with joy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to the both of you!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePS: thanks for the birthday wishes!!!
Ron:
DeleteBack atcha... finally! As for the birthday wishes, it's not every day that you turn 26!