Collaborative post
Do you dream of those sunny afternoons when you grew up in Spain? Coming home from school hungry, dropping your backpack by the door and heading straight to the kitchen for your afternoon snack. Maybe your 'go to' was a thick slice of bread with a few squares of chocolate melting on top or a plate of homemade flan that your Abuela had made that morning. Those aren't just memories of the snacks, they were little moments of comfort that connected you to your families and your culture.
If you're a Spanish parent raising children in the UK, these memories probably feel both precious and distant. You want your children to understand where they come from, to feel connected to their Spanish roots, but how do you help them understand what it means to be Spanish when their daily life is filled with English words, British customs and afternoon tea instead of merienda?
The answer might be sweeter (and simpler) than you think.
Food is one of the most powerful ways we connect to our heritage. It's sensory, emotional and immediate. And when it comes to introducing children to a new culture, or reconnecting them with their own, starting with something fun and delicious is always a winning strategy. That's where Spanish sweets and chocolates come in.
Children are far more likely to engage with culture when it comes wrapped in something tasty. Spanish gastronomy is rich and varied, but for young children jumping straight into jamón ibérico or pulpo a la gallega might be a challenge. Starting with sweets and chocolate makes the whole process a lot more fun.
Through these treats you can:
Instead of the usual after school biscuits, why not introduce a proper Spanish afternoon treat? Toast some bread, break off una onza de chocolate from a bar of quality Spanish chocolate and let it melt slightly on the warm toast. As you prepare it together, teach them what this ritual means: that special time between lunch and dinner when Spanish families pause for something sweet.
You can find authentic chocolate bars online, both traditional and sugar-free options, perfect for this kind of moment.
Make Sunday evenings special by preparing a classic Spanish dessert together. It doesn't need to be complicated; a simple flan or natillas made from a traditional dessert mix can become a weekly tradition your children look forward to. While you're stirring and waiting for it to set, share stories about your own childhood, about family gatherings, about the Spain they might not see every day but that lives in your heart.
In Spain, chocolate a la taza isn't just a drink, it's an experience. Thick, rich and utterly indulgent, it's traditionally enjoyed with churros or porras, but it's just as delicious on its own or with a simple biscuit for dipping.
Turn Sunday mornings into a special tradition by preparing Spanish style hot chocolate together. Let your children help measure the cocoa, stir the pot and watch it thicken. Talk about how this is different from the hot chocolate generally drunk in the UK.
Birthdays, good school reports or even just "because it's Friday": these little celebrations are perfect opportunities to bring out traditional Spanish sweets. Whether it's turrón at Christmas time or polvorones shared with a cup of tea, these treats become part of your family's unique cultural tapestry.
Once in a while, go all out. Set up a little tasting table with a variety of Spanish treats: chocolates, sweets, fruits in syrup and perhaps some membrillo with cheese if your children are adventurous.
Make it feel special, use a nice tablecloth, play some Spanish music in the background and encourage your children to try everything. Talk about the textures, flavours and colours. Ask them which ones they like best and why.
This isn't just about eating, it's about creating memories.
Living away from home doesn't mean you have to lose touch with the flavours and traditions that matter to you. With a little creativity, and a little help from Gastronomic Spain, you can bring the tastes of Spain into your everyday life and share them with the people you love most.
Whether it's a simple afternoon snack, a Sunday morning ritual or a full-blown tasting adventure, these moments are more than just about food. They're about identity, belonging and love.
So go ahead, break off una onza, pour that hot chocolate and start creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Challenge of Raising Bilingual, Bicultural Children
If you're a Spanish parent raising children in the UK, these memories probably feel both precious and distant. You want your children to understand where they come from, to feel connected to their Spanish roots, but how do you help them understand what it means to be Spanish when their daily life is filled with English words, British customs and afternoon tea instead of merienda?
The answer might be sweeter (and simpler) than you think.
Food is one of the most powerful ways we connect to our heritage. It's sensory, emotional and immediate. And when it comes to introducing children to a new culture, or reconnecting them with their own, starting with something fun and delicious is always a winning strategy. That's where Spanish sweets and chocolates come in.
The Power of Food in Cultural Connection
Children are far more likely to engage with culture when it comes wrapped in something tasty. Spanish gastronomy is rich and varied, but for young children jumping straight into jamón ibérico or pulpo a la gallega might be a challenge. Starting with sweets and chocolate makes the whole process a lot more fun.
Through these treats you can:
- Create new family rituals that echo the ones you grew up with
- Teach Spanish words and customs in a playful, pressure free way
- Spark curiosity about Spanish culture, history and traditions
- Build positive associations with their heritage
Recreate the Classic Spanish Merienda
Instead of the usual after school biscuits, why not introduce a proper Spanish afternoon treat? Toast some bread, break off una onza de chocolate from a bar of quality Spanish chocolate and let it melt slightly on the warm toast. As you prepare it together, teach them what this ritual means: that special time between lunch and dinner when Spanish families pause for something sweet.
You can find authentic chocolate bars online, both traditional and sugar-free options, perfect for this kind of moment.
Start a Sunday Spanish Dessert Ritual
Make Sunday evenings special by preparing a classic Spanish dessert together. It doesn't need to be complicated; a simple flan or natillas made from a traditional dessert mix can become a weekly tradition your children look forward to. While you're stirring and waiting for it to set, share stories about your own childhood, about family gatherings, about the Spain they might not see every day but that lives in your heart.
Breakfast Like You’re on Holiday
In Spain, chocolate a la taza isn't just a drink, it's an experience. Thick, rich and utterly indulgent, it's traditionally enjoyed with churros or porras, but it's just as delicious on its own or with a simple biscuit for dipping.
Turn Sunday mornings into a special tradition by preparing Spanish style hot chocolate together. Let your children help measure the cocoa, stir the pot and watch it thicken. Talk about how this is different from the hot chocolate generally drunk in the UK.
Celebrate with Spanish Sweets
Birthdays, good school reports or even just "because it's Friday": these little celebrations are perfect opportunities to bring out traditional Spanish sweets. Whether it's turrón at Christmas time or polvorones shared with a cup of tea, these treats become part of your family's unique cultural tapestry.
Create a "Taste of Spain" Afternoon
Once in a while, go all out. Set up a little tasting table with a variety of Spanish treats: chocolates, sweets, fruits in syrup and perhaps some membrillo with cheese if your children are adventurous.
Make it feel special, use a nice tablecloth, play some Spanish music in the background and encourage your children to try everything. Talk about the textures, flavours and colours. Ask them which ones they like best and why.
This isn't just about eating, it's about creating memories.
Bring Spain to Your Door
Living away from home doesn't mean you have to lose touch with the flavours and traditions that matter to you. With a little creativity, and a little help from Gastronomic Spain, you can bring the tastes of Spain into your everyday life and share them with the people you love most.
Whether it's a simple afternoon snack, a Sunday morning ritual or a full-blown tasting adventure, these moments are more than just about food. They're about identity, belonging and love.
So go ahead, break off una onza, pour that hot chocolate and start creating memories that will last a lifetime.
No comments
Thanks for your comment (unless it's spam in which case, why?)