These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. I love your blog posts and photos. “ Tarta de Santiago: Spanish Almond Cake ”. “Tarta de Santiago, literally meaning cake of St. James, is an almond cake or pie from Galicia with origin in the Middle Ages. Tarta de Santiago, or St. James Cake, is an almond cake from Galicia with its origins in the Middle Ages. At CaminoWays.com we book accommodation with local guest houses and hotels so you don’t have to worry! 1. In 1993, the trail was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers of the Way trek to Santiago de Compostela to arrive in time for the feast day of St. James, or Santiago Apóstol, on July 25th. The tarta de Santiago, or St. James cake, is a simple Spanish almond cake that is naturally gluten-free. 15 -The stamped pilgrim passport is required to stay in first-come first -served ‘albergues’ (public hostels), and walkers take priority over cyclists. 2 -Santiago de Compostela means St James of the field of stars. Así que yo diría que es una tarta que puede hacer un niño. She adores Santiago, where she studied Journalism at Santiago de Compostela University. 18 -KM 0 of the Camino is actually not in Santiago but in Cape Fisterra, by the Atlantic Ocean, considered to be the ‘end of the world’ and a place of magical powers for pre-Christian communities. Preparación de la base de la tarta de Santiago. Galicia may not be internationally renowned for its food, in the same way as … Lo importante es la calidad de los ingredientes con los que vamos a trabajar. La tarta es muy sencilla y sobre todo rápida de preparar, en 10 minutos tienes todo montado y el horno trabaja sólo. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or in a large bowl with a handmixer, beat the eggs on medium-high while gradually pouring in the sugar. The ingredients are simple: ground almonds instead of flour provide its body, bound with sugar and eggs. The order adopted the Cruz de Santiago or Cruz Espada as their emblem, a design that dates back to 844. Using a wide rubber spatula, gently fold in the dry ingredients until combined. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Getting ready for your Camino? The Camino de Santiago is a Catholic pilgrimage leading from all over Europe to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where, according to legend, the relics of St. James are buried. Originating from Galicia in North-Western Spain during the time of medieval pilgrimage, this tart is traditionally decorated with the St James cross. The history of this cake might just be as rich and dense as the cake itself. 6 -The Camino Primitivo from Oviedo is the oldest Camino de Santiago route. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Grease an 8-inch (20cm) springform cake pan with butter and dust with flour. The Cruz Espada is so named for mixing a decorative cross with a cross fitchy, where the lower limb is pointed like a sword. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Let the cake cool before removing from the tin. For more information about the Camino de Santiago routes or to book your Camino adventure, contact our travel specialists, Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS, For travel inspiration, Camino tips and advice, events and special offers. With its wonderfully moist almond and citrus flavours, this torte makes a perfect dessert or partner to an afternoon café con leche (milky coffee). Here are 20 interesting Camino de Santiago facts you should know before you set off: 1 -Camino de Santiago means Way of St James and refers to the different routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. If you can find it, you can also add a splash of aguardiente de hierbas, some brandy, or leave it out. The cake is a simple base of almonds, sugar and eggs, usually flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. The Order of Santiago was a religious and military order established in the 12th century to protect the pilgrims of the Camino. The Galician name for cake is Torta whilst it is often referred to Tarta, which is the Spanish word. For a cake to officially be called Tarta de Santiago, it must be made in the Autonomous Community of Galicia and contain at least 33% almonds, 33% sugar and 25% egg. Pour in the aguardiente (if using). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cake can be found in nearly all of the pastry shops in the countless towns along the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. 17 -The Camino is a long-distance trail with thousands of kms across Europe. 2 -Santiago de Compostela means St James of the field of stars. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared cake tin and bake at 175°C (350°F) until the cake is golden and skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake, about 30-35 minutes. Origin: Galicia Tarta de Santiago -Santiago cake- is typical of the gastronomy from Galicia that you would read about in your Spanish guide, however it is consumed in the entire country. 7 -However, the most famous Camino route is the Camino Francés or French Way starting in St Jean Pied de Port, in the French Pyrenees. A very similar cake called tarta real (royal cake) can be traced to bishop Pedro Portocarrero’s visit to the Universidad de Santiago in 1577. Decorating the cake with the Cross of St. James can be traced back to Casa Mora in 1924 in Santiago de Compostela. Many more walk different sections of the routes. 16 -The 12th century Codex Calixtinus is the oldest Camino de Santiago ‘guidebook’. I flavor the cake with cinnamon and lemon zest. Cookies ensure the best experience, continue to use this site if you accept it / Utilizamos cookies para mejorar tu experiencia, si continuas navegando, consideramos que aceptas su uso. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond meal, lemon zest, cinnamon and salt. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She also loves travel, good food and good books, as well as all things arty crafty. Your email address will not be published. The specific origins of Tarta de Santiago are difficult to determine. The earliest written recipe with similar proportions to today’s cake appeared in notes by Luis Bartolomé de Leybar in 1838 under the name vizcocho de almendra. Cyclists on the Camino are known as ‘bici-grinos’ (bike-pilgrims). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Book With Confidence: Get A Free Postponement, Home / Blog / Advice & Travel Tips / 20 Camino de Santiago facts you need to know. She has walked and cycled many trails including many Camino routes, Japan's Kumano Kodo, the Kerry Camino in Ireland and many others. 12 -Over 300,000 pilgrims arrive in Santiago each year and receive their Compostela certificate. It’s a Foodies’ Paradise. 9 -You need to walk at least 100kms into Santiago to receive your Compostela certificate. It is a great way to learn about traditional baking. Beat until the egg mixture becomes pale, foamy and thick, about 3-5 minutes. From Torta Real to Tarta de Santiago Which brings us to the cake, which unsurprisingly hails from Galicia and the Compostela region. The first documents about this recipe are dated 1577. You have to travel for religious/spiritual reasons in order to receive the Compostela. 5 -The yellow scallop shell and yellow arrows mark the way to Santiago. 19 -25th July is St James Day, a holiday in Santiago and Galicia. Public albergues can not be booked in advance.