​
THE FOOD OF LOVE
 
Local residents were questioning whether dietary supplements are to blame for the rise in amorous liaisons after a group of local birds were seen nibbling on an unidentified substance.

​Further investigations by the Chronicle’s cyber division shed light on the murky world of online dietary dating sites. After hours of browsing, strictly for the purposes of investigative journalism, researchers came across this local advertiser on one of the world’s most popular websites, catch.com. Speculation mounts that Tom Boy could be the Mr Big of the Canabal passion food scene.

Misty mornings and changing colours suggest autumn is in the air. Before long residents will be unpacking their winter duvet and switching on the heating.
​

​The Chronicle’s tip for keeping warm is roast some chestnuts and enjoy a glass of red wine.

LOCAL LANDMARK
 
The town of Monforte de Lemos forms the beating heart of the Ribeira Sacra, a Denominación de Origen that produces excellent wines that are recognised throughout the world. It’s situated in the Val de Lemos, a vast undulating plain in the south of Lugo province, Galicia and is less than ten kilometres from the village of Canabal. The town boasts many historic monuments including the Torre da Homenaxe and the Monasterio Benedictino de San Vicente del Pino.

​Perched on a hilltop in the centre of Monforte is the Torre da Homenaxe or Homage Tower. Built between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries it dominates the skyline. The tower is 13 metres square with walls over 3 metres thick and stands 30 metres high. The views from the top of the tower over the town and surrounding countryside are outstanding. There are exhibitions inside including arms and furniture from the period. Visitors can also buy locally sourced handmade products.

​The Torre da Homenaxe shares its hilltop position with the Benedictine monastery of San Vicente del Pino. Its origins date back to the tenth century. Today’s building was constructed in the sixteenth century in the neoclassical style. Ten years ago, after extensive restoration, the monastery opened its doors to the public as a luxury Parador hotel.

​David Workman is an American writer and editor with family roots in the U.K., the Netherlands, Alsace, and Germany, among other places. He was a journalist at several newspapers, then entered public service as communications director for several state agencies in Washington State. He was executive editor of state-published books and websites on natural resources, environment, and social and health services. He operates Workman & Associates, a communications consulting and publishing firm. In 2015, he released “Letter from Alabama: The Inspiring True Story of Strangers Who Saved a Child and Changed a Family Forever.” In 2016, he released "An Author Tells All: Surprises and Revelations from Publishing My Story."

David's life could turn out very, very badly. His mother dies suddenly when he is an infant. Then at age two, he is gone. Vanished, with his father, and abandoned in a far-away place. His future hangs on a Letter from Alabama, a piece of paper that must travel hundreds of miles in an envelope. Then it must land in exactly the right place in a busy office where nobody is under any obligation to read it or pay any attention to it. This is the true story of that letter, and all that will transpire because of it. It's the story of human failure, and human triumph. Forgiveness and redemption. It is a testament to, and a prayer of thanks for, good and decent people everywhere who stand up for a child when they don't have to-when they have nothing to gain and perhaps much to lose. It's a tribute to those who see the potential in a young person and give that person a chance to be the best that he or she can be. They are the heroes for whom this story is now committed to writing.
 
Follow one of these links to get your copy of ‘Letter from Alabama’
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQIIODK
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VQIIODK
 
Question time – our globe-trotting reporter asked David ten challenging questions.
 
1.    If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?

I pick Brad Pitt. Why? Because he’s Brad Pitt!
For young David, I would go back to the 1950s and choose Jon Provost,
the child actor who played Timmy Martin on the CBS TV series “Lassie”
from 1957-64. Jon was a really cute towhead, and (I thought) really cool.
​Also I loved Lassie, and all the collies that “played” her.

2.    If you won a million pounds/dollar/euros etc, what would you buy?
​

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This issue of the Canabal Chronicle was brought to you by Craig Briggs, author of The Journey series of books.
​

The town of Sanabria (Puebla de Sanabria) is located in the province of Zamora, close to the border with Portugal, Galicia, and Castile and Leon. The town boasts a railway station with journey times from Madrid taking a little under three hours; by car it’s a little over three.
​

The town’s charm is undeniable. Tourism is low key and the visitor experience is all the better for it. Wandering through the narrow streets feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Most village houses are immaculately maintained with architectural wonders hiding around every corner. Granite stonework, slate roofs and hardwood window frames take you back in time to a lost era. Potted plants hang from iron railed Juliet balconies and intricately carved coats of arms are proudly displayed on the façades of ancestral manor houses.
​

The area around Puebla de Sanabria is one of outstanding natural beauty. There’s a five-kilometre river walk along the banks of the river Tera and nearby you’ll find Lake Sanabria nature park. Formed during the last ice age, the lake covers an area of 368 hectares and reaches a depth of 55 metres making it Spain’s biggest glacial lake.
​

There are many picturesque towns and villages scattered throughout Spain but I have yet to find one as pretty as Puebla de Sanabria. From May through to October I can’t think of a better place to wander through the passageways of time. If you find yourself journeying northwest from Madrid to Galicia, Puebla de Sanabria is an ideal place to take a break and explore. Whether you’re travelling by train or car, there are plenty of establishments to book a room giving you ample time to enjoy an interesting and relaxing stopover.
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​

Sine Thieme's debut travel memoir is equally poignant and laugh-out-loud funny. Part guide book, part travel memoir, and part history lesson, her story will keep you hooked until the last page - whether you're a seasoned hiker nodding your head in recognition, an aspiring Kilimanjaro trekker searching for tips, or an armchair traveller revelling in adventure stories from the comfort of your home.
​

When expat blogger and mother of four Eva Melusine Thieme first harbours the idea of ringing out her three years in Africa on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, it sounds easy. In fact, it has all the trappings of a dream vacation: no cooking, no fighting kids, and an army of porters to lug everything up the mountain. What can go wrong?

Tag along as Eva takes you on her journey up the slopes of Kilimanjaro together with her teenage son and a group of hilarious South African friends. From planning the trip to shopping for supplies to trudging uphill wishing with all her heart for an ice cold sip of water untainted by chlorination tablets, you will follow her step by step on her quest to scale the world's highest free-standing mountain. But the list of challenges is long: sub-zero temperatures, blistered feet, long drop toilets (of which, you may learn, the drops are not nearly as long as they have once been, if you get the drift), and the ever-threatening altitude sickness no one can quite escape from. Eva's climb turns into the most difficult test she has ever faced, and ultimately she must make a fateful decision on that mountain.
 
Click this link to get your copy of Kilimanjaro Diaries https://evamelusinethieme.com/
 
Or take a look at Sine’s blog about living in South Africa http://www.joburgexpat.com
 
Question time – our roving reporter asked Sine ten challenging questions.

1. If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?  

Oh boy, I am so bad at this question! The biggest compliment I’ve ever gotten was when my daughters said my hair looked just like Jennifer Aniston’s. So maybe she could play me, as long as they just shoot her from behind.

2. If you won a million pounds/dollar/euros etc, what would you buy?  

First, a badass new car. I am SO tired of my minivan after decades practically raising my four kids in one. Second, I’d replace all my furniture. After moving it around the world 6 times, I’m kind of tired of it. I’d probably want a new – but smaller – house to go with it, less to clean. That can be my third wish. I honestly can’t think of another thing, other than every single book I come across since I’ll now have all the time in the world to read them, what with not having to hustle up more money.

3. What is your least favourite thing about humanity?  

Stupidity. Or wait, hypocrisy? People always want to tell you how to live, because they think they know better. I don’t think animals do that. So there, that’s my least favorite thing about humanity, the urge to control other humans. 

4. If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?  

Oh good, that means I’ll get almost 30 more years to figure that out, exactly. From my vantage point now, I’d want to pass on this: Don’t fret about what might happen before it actually has happened. Once it happens, you will have plenty of time to think about it. Don’t make yourself miserable thinking about things that may never even occur. I guess I’m with the guys who played in the band on the Titanic. Plus, the worst stuff that happens makes for the best stories. Just think of how great the telling of it will be one day. You won’t be talking about all the days you’ve had your feet up and relaxed! Oh, and also: Be kind. Oops, I just reread the question and it asked for an experience, not advice. The most important experience? The one you have no idea where it might lead you.

5. You’re a new addition to my spice rack, what are you and why?  

This is even worse than the actress question. I really have no idea. Does lemon peel count as a spice? I’ve always loved to bake things with the scent of lemon. And I do tend to make lemonade when dealt lemons (see answer above). So I’ll just declare lemon peel a spice and I’ll be that.

6. In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?  

I have no idea how the internet works, other than with wifi. And boy is it a crisis when the wifi is out. It’s the only time our kids come out of their rooms to talk to us. If yelling “Mom, the wifi isn’t working!” is considered talking.

7. How can you tell if someone is a nerd?  

I suppose if they won’t stop talking about a single topic that fascinates them but is boring to most of the rest of the world. Oh, and also if they wear Birkenstocks with socks.

8. If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?  

Is #clusterfuck already in the dictionary? If not, it should be added to describe the current American presidency.
 
9. What undiscovered technology will transform the future?  

This is sounding more and more like a college essay. I have no idea if it will transform the future, but I’ll tell you what’s yet undiscovered: A machine that will take my laundry from the dirty laundry bin, through the washer and dryer and folded back onto my shelf without lifting my finger. I have a feeling though that it will remain undiscovered. I mean, we’ve split the atom, and fused it to another atom, we’ve found a plethora of teensy particles much smaller than the atom, we’ve build a hadron collider to accelerate them to ungodly speeds, but we are still standing there over the kitchen sink every night cleaning the dinner plates. Weird.
 
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?  

Have I told you yet about my minivan?
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​This edition of the Canabal Chronicle, Some-day Supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs, (with a little help from his wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.
​

On Sunday evening, Mother Nature treated the residents of Canabal to a magnificent display of light and sound. The performance lasted well over an hour, in which time barely a spot of rain fell on the spellbound audience.
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GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

 
A shower of grape must tumbles into a waiting bucket.
​

 
From bucket to vat in a continuous stream. This is where a willing labourer comes in handy. Having sampled the fruits of our efforts, Melanie is only too happy to lend a hand.
​

 
The first day’s work draws to a close. While the willing worker cleans the equipment, the vinatero (me) takes precise measurements and calculates the must’s properties using mystical formulas. A specific gravity of 1105 indicates an alcohol content of 14% by volume – perfect.
​

 
The addition of potassium metabisulfite stuns the natural yeast and helps protect the must from unwelcome bacteria. Enzymes assist the breakdown of the grape pulp to ensure maximum juice extraction.
​

 
After resting quietly for a day, a starter yeast is added to the must. The next twenty-four hours are critical. If the fermentation fails to start, it’s back to the drawing board. Thankfully, we had no such problem and the miracle of turning grapes into wine began.
 
Four days in; the fermentation was two-thirds complete. Time to separate the liquid from the solids.
​

 
Once the young wine has been transferred from the fermenting vat into the storage vat. The solids: grape skins, seeds, and anything else unfortunate enough to have fallen into the crusher, can be removed.
​

 
To make sure every last drop of wine is extracted the must is pressed.
​

Pressing grape must is a great way to build up a thirst.
​

The result is a weighty cake of pressed skins and seeds which makes great fertilizer but is more commonly used to make aguardiente, the local firewater.
​

The end result is a 250-litre vat, full to the brim with red wine. All we have to do now is wait six months, hope for the best and fingers crossed.
​

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​
​​THE JOURNEY CONTINUES ...​

​Book four in ‘The Journey’ series is available to pre-order from today but who exactly is Craig Briggs?
 
Life began on the 12th of July 1962, in St. Luke’s hospital, Huddersfield: Craig was the second child, and only son, of Donald and Glenys. Donald was a humble lathe operator working for one of the town’s largest employers. A telephone call from the hospital informed him of the new arrival but all was not as expected. Young Craig was not a ‘normal’ baby. He was born with congenital feet deformities: I cannot imagine a crueller phone call.
​

 
On my first birthday, I received a gift that would change my life forever. A unique present that gave me what the Vespa had given to the youth of the 1950s; freedom and independence. As you can see from the photo, my first shoe wasn’t quite as stylish as the Italian built scooter but from now on, Master Briggs was on the move.
​

Over the next five years a series of surgical procedures changed the way I moved. Early recollections are few but these infant experiences undoubtedly coloured my future life. In the 1960’s NHS visits were restricted to one person for one hour per day. The anguish of a young mother listening to the tortured screams of her young son begging her to stay are unimaginable – it wasn’t much fun for me either.
​

 
When the time came, mum walked me to school like any other proud mother and Dad gave me his first and only piece of worldly advice. ‘If anyone hits you, hit em back’. With one exception, my mind was sharper than my boxing prowess. School life and education didn’t really do it for me; I found it difficult to concentrate on anything that didn’t interest me. 
​

​I left comprehensive school with mediocre exam results and drifted aimlessly to sixth form college. In May 1980, my education came to an end and I entered the employment market. At the time, Margaret Thatcher was busy dismantling British industry and unemployment was running at a post war record high. I signed on and spent the summer lounging around the house watching the Wimbledon tennis finals on telly. In September that year, during one of my many visits to the job centre, a notice caught my eye, ‘Wanted trainee retail managers’. The idea of becoming a manager sounded quite appealing so I applied.
 
There were 560 applicants chasing 6 places. I pleaded my case and found myself one of the lucky half dozen. After a two-week training course in the seaside town of Southport, I passed with honours achieving the rank of assistant manager. When asked where I’d like to apply my new-found retail skills, I chose London – the city paved with gold.
 
I left Huddersfield a naïve child and returned three and a half years later a wiser and more mature young man. A brief period of letting my hair down followed, catching up for lost time and lost youth. During these wild and hedonistic few months, I won the greatest prize of all - love.  After weeks of persistent pestering, the young barmaid at my local pub finally agreed to a date, a date that changed my life forever. That beautiful young barmaid was Melanie.
​

My career in retail lasted six and a half years. On turning 26 I decided to go it alone and resigned. My ambition of owning my own shop came to an abrupt end when the bank refused to fund my plan. That disappointment led me to reinvent myself as a self-employed financial consultant. My, ‘Big Break’ came two years into my life as a death insurance salesman. I stumbled across two young men running an ailing printing business. They needed financial support and asked if I was interested in joining them. Against all professional advice I jumped at the chance, re-mortgaged the house and bought an equal share.
 
Finally, I’d found my true vocation. The business was losing money hand over fist; the bank had taken a second charge on each partners home and called in the overdraft. Whilst others worried about our impending doom, I applied myself to resolving the problems. We weathered the storm but casualties were high. After 13 years of blood, sweat and holding back the tears, I ended up owning and running a modestly successful business. Later that year a chance remark to the company accountant led to discussions about a buyout, the opportunity to realise my dream finally presented itself.
​

On the 6th of May 2002, with the car laden to capacity, me, Melanie and our dog Jazz set off for Galicia in the northwest corner of Spain. The contrast between our lives in England and our new life here couldn’t have been greater. We’d leapt into the unknown and in our wildest dreams could not have imagined the rewards.
 
Our new life wasn’t without its challenges but we met them together and gradually settled in to our new surroundings. Two years into our new life I started writing about our experiences for an online magazine. Several years later I began writing my first travel memoir ‘Journey To A Dream’ which was published in 2013. The latest book in The Journey series ‘Opportunities Ahead’ continues that story.
​

​To thank everyone who’s been following our story and to encourage those who’ve yet to start, I’m offering my new book ‘Opportunities Ahead’ at half price but hurry, this is a limited time offer which ends on the 15th of September.
​

Note from the editor – This week’s Some-day Supplement is a Food & Drinks Special In additional to our regular features, guest cook Elle Draper shares two mouthwatering recipes taken from her recently released cook book ‘Spain Recipes’. But first … 
 
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And now for the first recipe from Elle Draper - Buñuelos de queso (Cheese balls)
 
Buñuelos de queso are bite-sized buns of flavour and thankfully are really easy to make (if a little heavy on arm work). So give these a go, but beware... they're not kind to your waistline.
 
You can deep-fry these babies instead of oven baking... but obviously that's not as healthy. But who cares?! Just do them in batches and drain them well on kitchen paper before serving. The photo shows them fried.

Ingredients (makes a good batch)

• 100g butter, cubed
• 100g of strong cheese such as Cheddar or Manchego - grated
• 4 eggs plus an extra yolk - lightly beaten
• 500ml water
• Teaspoon mustard - smooth not grainy OR half a teaspoon of mustard powder
• Teaspoon of pimiento picante OR 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 240g plain flour

 
Method

• Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas mark 7
• Put the water, butter and salt (if using) in the saucepan and bring to the boil
• Okay - now this bit needs to be quick...
• Tip the flour into the boiling liquid and stir like a banshee with the wooden spoon
• It will firm up - keep stirring
• Gradually add the eggs, ensuring it mixes well
• Now add the mustard, pimenton and the cheese
• Keep stirring!!!!
• If your arm gets tired, yell for reinforcements.
• Once it's all melted in and well mixed, take it off the heat
• Put spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased baking trays and pop in the oven
• Bake for 15 minutes
• Now turn the heat down and continue baking for around 10 to 15 minutes or until browned
• Wolf these bad boys down the same day.

 
For more information on Elle’s recipes, follow these links:
To Buy the Spain Buddy Recipe Book: http://www.spainbuddy.com/the-spain-buddy-recipes-book
The Spain Buddy website: http://www.spainbuddy.com
​
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The town has two claims to fame, the Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494 and the Toro de la Vega. The former was an agreement between Spain and Portugal aimed at avoiding ownership conflicts over the newly discovered lands in the Americas. The latter was an annual fiesta that until 2016 saw a bull harried through the streets of the town by horse mounted lancers’ hell bent on stabbing the beast to death. The individual who delivered the fatal blow was granted the privilege of cutting off its testicles and parading them through the streets of the town on the point of his lance. No prizes for guessing why regional authorities banned the slaughter. As for the morality of allowing the chase to continue, I’ll leave that for you to decide.
​

 
It’s not the prettiest Spanish town you’ll ever visit but there is an honesty to its buildings. One such architectural treat is the Carmelite Convent (El Convento del Carmelo) located in the Plaza del Cristo Rey. The convent closed its doors to worship in 2010 when dwindling numbers saw the nuns join those of the Carmelite order in the nearby town of Medina del Campo. Today, there’s a programme underway to covert this abandoned 15th century convent into fifty, one and two-bedroom apartments for retirees. A lack of ambition springs to mind.

Spanish Flirtinis

Flirtinis originated from the hit television series, Sex and The City. The series tells the story of Carrie Bradshaw (and her friends Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha) as they shop, eat, drink and shag their way around New York. At a party one night, Samantha gets the ladies drinking Flirtinis - a potent mix of vodka, pineapple juice and Champagne.
Not to be outdone - here is a version I make that is perfect for these hot summer evenings. But be warned - these cocktails are a lot more potent than you would think!

Ingredients (Serves 1)Keep the ratio but mix as much as you like.

• 50ml vodka
• 50ml Cava
• 100ml lemonade or gaseosa
• Large glass full of ice (and wedges of lime which is optional)
• Two or three slices of lemon or lime

The ratio should always be 1 part vodka to 1 part Cava to 2 parts lemonade (or gaseosa) - regardless of how much you make.

Method

• Mix all liquid ingredients together
• Serve in tall glasses over lots of ice and the lemon or lime slices
• To save time, just pour each ingredient straight over the ice in turn (watch that the lemonade doesn't froth over) and stir with a straw or swizzly stick thing.

Spain Buddy tips
​

• For an extra treat - mix in a dollop of lemon flavoured ice cream or sorbet per serving. You can always make up larger measures and mix it all in a blender.
• I use fizzy lemon and lime rather than just lemonade - but then I love a lime kick!
• People keep telling me they'll try this with gin instead of vodka, but as I can't stand the stuff... I can't vouch for the taste. Give it a go and let us know how you get on!

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​

​And now for the main event.

​ 
Author Interview
Elle Draper
 
Elle’s book ‘Spain Recipes’ contains over 120 easy to follow recipes that will inspire you to explore the delicious and distinctive flavours of Spain.

​Elle Draper lives with Alan and their three dogs in a beautiful village in the hills of Almería in southern Spain. Together they run Spain Buddy, a website full of information about this amazing country they are proud to call home.
 
Elle loves to work miracles (although she came unstuck when trying to turn water into wine) and sometimes wears a superhero cape. She loves dogs, wine, a wide variety of cuisine and her “Alan” (although not necessarily in that order). She’s been known to throw shoes and half the stationery cupboard but is generally very chilled out.
 
She is a devoted friend, but a lethal enemy and her bite is far worse than her bark.
 
Elle has a geeky side too and gets very excited about Doctor Who. She is also unashamed to admit she loves a bit of trashy telly.
 
Elle describes herself as one of those sickeningly chirpy optimistic people. She sees the best in everyone. When others view their glass half-full, she sees hers as an opportunity to top-up with more wine or vodka and usually gets a round of shots in while she’s waiting.
 
Her book was inspired by the amazing range of ingredients in Spain. Some recipes are authentic, while others draw inspiration from their ten years living here. All are designed to bring a taste of Spain into your kitchen.
 
For more information on Elle’s recipes, follow these links:
To Buy the Spain Buddy Recipe Book: http://www.spainbuddy.com/the-spain-buddy-recipes-book
The Spain Buddy website: http://www.spainbuddy.com
 
Question time – our roving reporter asked Elle ten challenging questions.
 
1.    If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?
 
It would have to be Catherine Tate. A number of friends have said we are alike in personality. Both of us are “in your face” and bubbly. We don’t really look alike – but I think she could play herself and still be a convincing “me – although I’m a little less “ditsy”
 
2.    If you won a million pounds/dollar/euros etc, what would you buy?
 
I’d buy a townhouse in Vélez-Blanco where we already live and do a “Grand Designs” on the interior, whilst keeping the outside looking like its neighbours. I’d help friends and family and do a lot more travelling. I’d also force my hubby to retire – he’s done enough to earn it now. I’d still keep SpainBuddy.com going though.
 
3.    What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
 
I despise racism and bigotry in all its forms. Sadly, we see it all too often.
 
4.    If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?
 
To learn languages and then go and explore the world.
 
5.    You’re a new addition to my spice rack, what are you and why?
 
I’m probably a blend of ginger, chilli and garlic. At first you get a warm feeling like ginger, then I hit you with a spicy chilli kick (in a positive way) and then I stick around for quite some time in your memory (much like garlic).
 
6.    In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?
 
Oh Jesus! I do “the internet” for a living so I struggle to keep it under 50. Erm... it’s an amazing tool for knowledge and connections but is also filled with a lot of “white noise”. Is that fewer than 50 words?
 
7.    How can you tell if someone is a nerd?
 
I don’t know if you always can. I believe we all have a bit of an “inner nerd”. I’m a Doctor Who nerd for example – but not too geeky with it hopefully.
 
8.    If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?
 
Ooer – erm... how about “Twattery”? It’s the act of being a complete and utter twat.
 
9.    What undiscovered technology will transform the future?
 
Holographic conversations. You’ll be able to put your smartphone or other device on a flat surface and have a 3D conversation with loved ones or knowledgeable people.
 
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?
 
Oh my! I live a lean life – and am pretty brutal about clearing out unnecessary nonsense. Can I say my wrinkles?
 
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​

​Spud hunting is a favourite family pastime here in Canabal – What a great way to start the day! Personally, I prefer a mug of strong coffee and a bowl of cornflakes.
​
 
Canabal Prepares for Revolution

We caught up with Luis in the local bar and asked “What exactly is the Tunel de Viño?”
 
“Aha,” he replied, with a glint in his eye, “It’s a new fiesta. Entry into the tunnel will cost €2.50. That will buy you a beautifully embossed glass and allow you to sample fifty local wines from the Ribeira Sacra.” Understandably, our roving reporter was lost for words, “But not all of them,” he joked.
 
Word of this inaugural event spread quickly through the newsroom. Many were sceptical although request to cover the event were unanimous.
​

Once again Luis was on hand to make sure everyone had a slice of cake and more importantly a tot of licor café (traditional coffee liqueur made from the local firewater).
​

It’s Just Sour Grapes
 
Authorities have once again warned villagers to be on the lookout for an opportunist thief. Inspector Slawit is under pressure from the flying squad to catch the perpetrator who is terrorising local producers. In her latest attempts to apprehend those responsible, she’s resorted to searching the sewers.
​

Note from the editor – Welcome to this week’s issue of the Some-day Supplement. Looking to put some crumpet in your life? We have the solution. Or perhaps you’re looking for something soft and squidgy in the Spanish countryside. We have exactly what you need.
 
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Canabal Cuisine Presents – Crumpets ala Canabal
 
Ingredients
 
275ml milk
55ml water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon dried yeast
225gm strong plain flour
1 teaspoon salt
Butter for greasing

Method
 
Heat the milk and water until it is hand hot. Stir in the sugar and add the yeast. Leave it for 10 minutes until it is frothy. Sift the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir with a wooden spoon, beat well until you have a smooth batter. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave in a warm place for 45 minutes, until the batter is light and frothy.
​

​Cooking the crumpets
 
Grease the inside of two egg rings, with melted butter. Grease a large frying pan. put the egg rings into the pan and put the pan on a medium heat. Put about a tablespoon of batter into the egg ring and cook for about 4 or 5 minutes. Take off the egg ring and turn over the crumpet. Cook for about 3 minutes. make sure to grease the rings and pan before making the next batch.
 
Enjoy hot with lots and lots of butter.

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TRAVEL
 
Medina del Campo
 
Medina del Campo will be an unfamiliar destination to many travellers, but anyone who has driven north on the A6 from Madrid will be familiar with the town’s most famous landmark: Castillo de la Mota. Looking like it belongs on the sets of a Hollywood blockbuster, this magnificent fortress towers over the surrounding countryside.

The town of Medina is in the province of Valladolid in the autonomous region of Castile and León, 160km from Madrid and 45km from Valladolid. The high-speed (Alta velocidad) train makes a day trip from the capital an easy and affordable excursion.
​

On a wet day in May, we perhaps didn’t see the best of this charming place. The town centre was quiet and the bars and cafes surrounding the Plaza Mayor were all but abandoned.
​

​In the 15th and 16th centuries Medina was famous for its markets which were held in the Plaza Mayor. On one corner of the square you’ll find the collegiate church of San Antolín. One unusual feature of the church is found in the Chapel of the Virgen del Pópolo. It was from here, on a balcony overlooking the square that traders would celebrate mass.

​With lunchtime looming we sought sanctuary in the Restaurante Gloria and ordered drinks and tapas. The tapas were delicious: we each had an enormous chunk of tortilla, firm on the outside and soft and squidgy in the middle, a heaped plate of ensaladilla (a meal in itself), and slices of beautifully lean and perfectly roasted lacón (gammon). The staff were friendly and helpful and the price, a mere €10.
 
A tour of Castile and León would not be complete without a trip to Medina del Campo, but try and avoid the rain.
 
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Author Interview
Charlotte Moore
 
Today’s author in the hot-seat is Charlotte Moore who’s debut book, Calamity Spain, tells the story of her search for a place in the sun.

Tell us about your book Charlotte - The first time I got onto a plane on my own set me off on a new path in life without realising it. A new path to freedom, exploring places I would never have gone to had I still been part of a couple. To making friends who lived in another country and wanting to live where the sun shone and life was at a slower, healthier pace. To wanting to have my own little slice of a Spanish village and live the life that it offered. I was going to fulfil my dream to buy a place abroad in the Sierra Nevada and live happily ever after. I knew where I wanted to be I now just had to make it happen. Little did I know the roller coaster journey I would have.
 
Initially when I began writing about my journey I was envisioning a travel book based around the location and discovering the characters and local produce. I had no idea that the book would end up full of emotion and tough decisions. Maybe the second book will be what book one was supposed to be?
 
To buy your copy of Calamity Spain follow these links:
UK link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NCLEMEZ
US link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCLEMEZ
 
Question time – our roving reporter asked Charlotte ten challenging questions.
 
1.    If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?
 
Tough one! Would have to be someone with humour and empathy...Ellen Degeneris maybe or Dawn French.
 
2.    If you won a million pounds, what would you buy?
 
More how I’d change my life really: Get a small place in the country where I could relax and be a full-time artist and writer. Travel to unusual destinations and spend time volunteering with charities.
 
3.    What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
 
The pressure we put on ourselves to reach higher goals without seeing what is in front of us and enjoying the day.
 
4.    If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?
 
As I’ve always been self-employed I’d say get a pension in place but enjoy each day of your life and have as many adventures as you can.
 
5.    You’re a new edition to my spice rack, what are you and why?
 
Something blended; like a garam masala. Gentle complex spices that give warmth and flavour.
 
6.    In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?
 
Two tin cans and a piece of string but more elaborate.
 
7.    How can you tell if someone is a nerd?
 
Gosh, aren’t we all in one subject or another?
 
8.    If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?
 
Fingerlexia. One I made up a few years ago to mean our awful typing and errors that occur in this digital age.
 
9.    What undiscovered technology will transform the future?
 
Something that can assess nature to give us natural cures for illnesses rather than use chemicals.
 
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?
 
A spare tyre!
 
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This Canabal Chronicle, Some-day Supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs, (with a little help form his wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.

​Terrified residents sought sanctuary in the church of San Pedro as rumours circulated of an alien invasion. Earlier in the day, an anonymous source reported hearing a “strange whirring sound” moments before a plume of smoke billowed into the air. 
​

Those unable to get to church buried their head in the sand and hoped for the best.
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​Ripper Strikes Again
 
The search continues for the tomato thief of Canabal, aka the Ripening Ripper.

Tomorrow’s Technology Today
 
Canabal leads the way in design and innovation.
 
A local man is claiming to have invented the world’s first, 100% recycled window box watering system, dubbed the Tub-on-a-Pole.
 
Even though the patent is pending, its designer was happy to disclose the complicated and revolutionary manufacturing process. Its creator, who prefers not to be named said, “It’s just a tub on a pole”.

Early trials highlighted a few minor design flaws, “I can’t see what I’m doing,” he was quoted as saying, “If it wasn’t for the wife guiding me, I don’t know what I’d do”. His wife confirmed her role in the trial, “More water fell on me than the plants,” she chuckled. When asked why he didn’t just lean out of the upstairs windows to water the plants, he paused for a moment before replying, “That’s a good idea”. Since speaking with the Chronicle further product trials have temporarily been suspended.
 
Sports Desk.
 
The winner of this year’s Canabal Open Golf Championship, sponsored by the Canabal Chronicle, was none other than our editor in chief, Craig Briggs. On a testing course, he recorded a personal best score of 6 under par, 65. In his acceptance speech he thanked the groundsmen for preparing a near perfect course stating that, “It was just like playing on Astro Turf.”

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This issue of the Canabal Chronicle was brought to you by Craig Briggs, author of The Journey series of books.

Note from the editor – Regular readers will notice we have added a new feature to The Some-day supplement, (which will one day be published on a Sunday) an author interview. First to be placed in the spotlight is local writer Penelope Anderton-Swann. As usual we begin this issue with our regular Canabal Cuisine.
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Canabal cuisine – Onion Bhajis
 
Ingredients
 
2 large eggs
3 onions sliced
120gm plain flour
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin seeds
Vegetable oil to fry
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Method
 
Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
Add the onions and mix well.
Add the flour, cumin seeds and coriander and stir well to combine.
Heat the oil. You can either fry in a deep fat fryer or in a high sided frying pan. When the oil is hot add a large spoonful of the bhaji mixture and fry until golden brown. Turn the bhaji over and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper
Repeat with the remaining mixture, replenishing the oil if required and making sure it’s hot before adding the bhaji mixture.
 
Serve hot with raita.
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Travel
 
Toro – A town of good taste
​

This enchanting town sits on a plateau overlooking the river Duero in the province of Zamora in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. It’s located off the A-11 highway between Tordesillas and Zamora, approximately 220km north of Madrid.
​

​It’s a charming town which seems to have changed little over the last four centuries. The Collegiate church of Santa Maria de Mayor is the town’s main architectural feature and worth a visit on its own. Started in the 12th century, it took 150 years to complete. I’d say it was worth the wait.
​

​The area around Toro is famous for its wine production (Toro DO). The fertile plains of the Douro help produce fruity, full-bodied reds and refreshingly heady whites. It’s said that Christopher Columbus took Toro wines on his voyage to discover the Americas. One of the boats, The Pinta, was named by the benefactor of the wine.

Melanie and I fell in love with Toro. With its beautiful architecture, narrow streets and leafy public spaces, it’s difficult not to. As for the wine, Toro produces some of the best reds in Spain a fact I’m happy to confirm.
​

The next time you decide to explore the municipality of Zamora and the province of Castile and Leon, make sure to add Toro to your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.
 
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Author Interview
Penelope Anderton-Swann
 
Today’s author in the hot-seat is Penelope Anderton-Swann author of the highly acclaimed “Gardening Tips For The Soul”.

Tell us about your book Penelope - This is a book which takes the lessons that can be learned through gardening and applies them to our everyday lives.  It looks, for example, at the seasons, weather, maintenance and methods of planting as well as our private and public gardens and examines how they may be able to help us view our lives from a different perspective.
 
Question Time - Our roving reporter asked ten challenging questions.
 
1. If a movie was made of your life, who would play you and why?
 
A. Sally Field.  She is an underrated actress, and has a lot more depth than she is given credit for.  I also think she laughs a lot and doesn´t take herself too seriously.
 
2. If you won a million pounds/dollar/euros etc, what would you buy?
 
A. Probably a new car with a lifetime insurance!  Also. somethings (not necessarily stuff) that each member of the family would like.
 
3. What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
 
A. Arrogance, which manifests in all areas of life and in a million different ways.
 
4. If you were 80 years old and had children, what’s the most important experience you could pass on to them?
 
A. (Nearly there!) I wouldn´t say experiences can be passed on.  One can only have one´s own experiences.  Lessons maybe…So what have I learned?  Well… To be open minded enough to know that what I know may not be true, and to know that I actually know nothing.  If I am closed by “knowing it all”, then I am not open to the new.
 
5. You’re a new addition to my spice rack, what are you and why?
 
A. Juniper Berries.  Complex and subtle.
 
6: In less than 50 words, how does the internet work?
 
A. You can´t be serious!  I don´t know!  Now I am open to learning how it works!
 
7. How can you tell if someone is a nerd?
 
A. We are all Nerdish in some respects.  
 
8. If you could add one word to the dictionary, what would it be and what would it mean?
 
A. Fragish -  A mixture of being under the weather and fed up and a bit grumpy!
 
9. What undiscovered technology will transform the future?
 
A. A very simple method for harnessing the energy that already exists everywhere, without pollution or huge infrastructure, and utilising it so that everyone can benefit free.
 
10. What is the one thing you own you wish you didn’t?
 
A. An electric programmable saucepan/cooker!  It came free with a vibrating exercise machine (for which I also want to find a good home).  That is two, but as they came together I count them as one!
 
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And finally - #normalwisdom

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This Canabal Chronicle Some-day supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs (with a little help from wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.
​

Note from the editor: Welcome to a new issue of the Canabal Chronicle, a light-hearted take on life in Canabal: a rural village in the province of Lugo, Galicia, Spain.
​

Villagers reacted quickly, sending out search parties to find the culprit but efforts have so far proved fruitless.
​​

With the offender still at large, vigilantes are taking matters into their own hands. Terry the Terrier (a reference to his sporting elegancies to newly promoted Huddersfield Town FC) was one of the first to volunteer. As the sun sets over Canabal a chorus of “Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough” echoes over the surrounding countryside.
​​

Hopes were briefly raised when Terry apprehended a suspect. The accused is known locally as Harry the Hedgehog but immediately pleaded his innocence, “I don’t like tomatoes” he said. After a thorough investigation he was later released without charge. Apparently, hedgehogs don’t like tomatoes.
​

​To thank Pepe for his generosity, Melanie set to work baking. She started with Pan de Calabacin (Zucchini bread) and finished off with courgette and carrot muffins.
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​Amazon links

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Travel
 
Salamanca – Spain’s seat of learning
 
The city of Salamanca in the region of Castile and León has gained the reputation as the one of the most romantic cities in Spain.

Formed in part by the street musicians who serenade young women in the Plaza Mayor. Known as La Tuna the groups of players are made up of university students. It’s a tradition that dates back to the thirteenth century when scholars from poorer backgrounds would sing outside bars in exchange for food. Today’s academics prefer to buy their own meals from the tips they receive.
​

For lovers of history, art, and architecture, Salamanca is a dream. Not content with one cathedral, Salamanca has two. The first, was built in the twelfth century. The latest was completed in the eighteenth. To enter these monuments of Catholicism, visitors are asked to pay a fee which although small (€4.75 when we visited) seem a little mean spirited.
​

The two cathedrals are linked by Patio Chico, one of the most eye-catching corners of the city.
​

​One of the city’s more appealing attributes, especially to a Yorkshire pie eater like myself, is the Hornazo de Salamanca. Weighing in at over a kilo, this colossus of meat pies is packed with the finest iberico pork and hard-boiled eggs.

Salamanca is a bustling, lively city with visitors from all over the world. Students rush along narrow streets, no doubt late for lectures, and groups of foreign school children look vacant as their teacher guides them through the historic alleyways. On the day that we visited (May 18th) the weather was grey and overcast. Not ideal for photography but very comfortable for taking in the sights.
​
​

People say that romance is dead; I disagree. Whether Salamanca is a shining example of it, I’m not too sure. I’ll let you decide. One thing is certain, for anyone planning a tour of Spain, Salamanca is a must-see city.
 
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​And Finally - #normalwisdom
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​This Canabal Chronicle Some-day supplement was brought to you by Craig Briggs (with a little help from wife Melanie) author of The Journey series of books.