a thickening agent. In Mexico, for example the Pipian recipes have ground pumpkin seeds. In Puerto Rico we have a recipe for Chicken that includes a marvelous sauce made with ground almonds as an ingredient. In Cuba they use the ground almonds and also ground peanuts as a thickener. Are you from CARACAS, dear Sue? They use almonds frequently in similar ways than us.

A ZARZUELA is a recipe original from Spain. Zarzuela is an OPERETA, a play where actors sing, dance & act. A ZARZUELA, like its namesake, is a melange, a wonderful stew (NOT A SOUP) where delicious flavors are mixed. If you are in Caracas, by all means, ask for a Zarzuela de Mariscos & you will be delighted.