Blog

FOUND AT "SANTA JUSTA AND RUFINA" CHURCH 

This amazing piece was discovered while restoring "santa justa and rufina" church in Toledo. When you look at it the past comes to your mind. If you look around from the small street you may think you are really in the past. This is the magic of Toledo.

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things

 

 

THE FOUNTAINS IN AL ANDALUS

 

In Andalusia, at Al-Hamra Palace, the Fountain of the Lions was not only a key aspect of the water network that used to supply the palace with water, but it was also a masterpiece that showed beautiful sculpture in Islamic civilization as the fountain was surrounded by motifs of 12 lions with water flowing out of their mouths. We get more surprised to learn that the fountain was used as a clock where water flew out of just one lion when it was one o'clock, and out of two lions when it was two o'clock, etc until water flew out of the mouths of all the 12 lions at 12 o'clock. But, this system broke down following the downfall of Andalusia, and Spaniards spoilt it when they tried to learn how to operate it.

Thus, fountains were an elegant part of Islamic gardens, having had a practical function, aesthetic value and, sometimes, scientific invention.

THE ORIGIN OF MAZAPAN

From the book:" Recipes and Customs of Toledo in Al Andalus."

"Although there has been much debate about the origin of mazapan, no doubt has an Arabic origin. The main ingredients are almond and sugar, just basic ingredients of any Arabic sweet pastries. If we go back to the days of Al Andalus we can understand how these sweets are recorded in history and in his post culinary use. From the word mazapan possible origins are considered "hub and bread" attributed to the time of wheat shortage where Toledo nuns managed to amass reserves of sugar and almonds. But more intriguing and possible Arabic origin following the word "mahsaban" general word for sweets made from sugar and almonds as the so typical Arab cuisine. 
Although Toledanos mazapan are considered the best in the world are closely competing the ones in Germany, and the typical ones of Venice. Perhaps the secret of our ancestors was impregnated in this beautiful city, which makes these delicious sweets unmistakable."

RECIPE MAZAPAN: 
ingredients: 
200g ground almonds 
200g icing sugar 
1 egg 

We separate the yolk from the white. Mix well the egg, sugar and almonds to form a homogeneous mass. After split into balls the same size and give each ball the way we like. Paint with egg yolk forms and introduce the oven to 200 and bake until golden.