El Alhambra
By Zach Ernst and Matt Mason

El Alhambra (on line image)http://www-personal.umich.edu/~eby/granada3.jpg
Questions about El Alhambra:
What does "Alhambra" mean? Why is it named that?
The name Alhambra is derived from the Arabic words 'the red castle'. This is because of the color the walls take on at night. this could also be because the castle was built by the light of torches.

the red walls of El Alhambra (on line image)http://www.andalucia.com/cities/granada/alhamhistory.htm
What is the history of El Alhambra?
El Alhambra was originally built by muslims in 1248. in the thirteen hundreds it became the kings residence. It became a Christian strong hold in 1492 at the end of the Reconquista.in the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle fell into disrepair, untill it became a national monument in 1870.
What is the architecture of El Alhambra like?
El Alhambra was built with arab style furnishings, but additions made after 1492 are christian in origin. It actually serves three different functions, that of a fort, city, and palace, and the architecture varies from section to section. However, the overall influence of the architecture was Muslim, because the mainstructure was built under their rule.
What was so important about capturing the fortress in 1492?
El Alhambra has a commanding veiw of the surrounding area and was easily defendible. It also would mean the end of the Reconquista if the last great Muslim stronghold fell into the hands of the Christians. These factors made it a great priority for both sides.
How did El Alhambra define the culture surrounding it?
El Alhambra was originally built and inhabited by the Moors, and consequently, the culture has many Moorish ties. The main architecture of El Alhambra is greatly influenced by the Muslim culture, and that stays true with the people of the region. They, after living under Muslim rule for many centuries, retain many parts of that culture. The Alhambra is a landmark that is a visual representation of this great cultural influence.
Geography of Granada
Granada is a region that lies at the meeting point of two major physical features. These are the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the plain of the vega. What this means for Granada is that it was easily defendable from the east, where the Sierra Nevadas lay, and also had the fertile soil and good farming that is typical on the plain of the vega. Also, an interesting fact is that the tallest mountain in Spain can be found in Granada, Mulhacén, at a height of 3,481 meters.

Gazpacho Andalus - Andalusian Salad-Soup
Ingredients
- 75 g stale bread (Spanish loaf, not packaged bread), crusts removed
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes, peeled and seeded
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp salt
- pinch of ground cumin
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 5 tbsp vinegar
- about 300 ml water
For the garnish:
- 100 g green peppers, finely chopped
- 100 g cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 slices bread, toasted and diced
Put the bread to soak in enough water to cover for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess water and put the bread in a blender or processor. Cut the peeled tomatoes into chunks and add to the blender with the garlic, salt and cumin. Process until puréed (in two or more batches if necessary). With the motor running add the oil in a slow stream, then add the vinegar. The mixture will thicken and change colour as the oil emulsifies. Add a little of the water and transfer to a serving bowl or pitcher. Stir in water to the desired consistency. Chill until serving time. Place the chopped peppers, cucumbers, onion, tomato and breadcrumbs in individual small bowls or in a divided dish and serve them as accompaniments. Gazpacho may also be served in glasses or mugs for sipping. Omit the garnishes.
Granadina de Ternera - Beef, Granada Style
This dish is well known throughout the province of Granada and is a lovely way to cook beef steaks along with the most famous of Spanish foods - the Serrano Ham.
You will need (serves 4):
4 thin beef steaks
100 grams Serrano Ham, cut into thin strips
50 grams Serrano Ham, cut into small squares
150 grams mushrooms
flour
1 clove garlic
olive oil
50ml sherry or fino
salt and pepper
How to cook:
1. Peel and chop the garlic and slice the mushrooms. If the beef is a bit thick, give it a bash to make it a bit thinner.
2. Make long slits lengthwise in the beef (dont' cut all the way through) and place the strip of serrano ham into each slit. Press firmly so it stays in place.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then dust each steak with flour, both sides.
4. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry each steak individually until cooked to your own preference. Keep the cooked steaks warm in the oven.
5. In the same oil, gently fry the chopped ham, the mushrooms and the garlic.
6. Add the sherry to the pan and cook gently for a further 5 minutes.
7. Pour the sauce over the steaks upon serving. Lovely with sauteed potatoes and green peppers
Works Cited:
http://www.andalucia.com/taste/gazpacho/rec1.htm


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