Quinceanera

• A Quinceanera is a tradition of the Hispanic culture that celebrates the 15th birthday of a girl. This age is designated as the turning point of a Spanish girl's entrance into womanhood. The celebration incorporates a variety of sweet and savory dishes that are the standard menu for such an event. The sweets include cakes, cookies and custards. Cakes are prepared with many different layers and types of frosting. They can also include decor that represents the girl's special day. Other sweets include pan de polvo, a shortbread cookie made with cinnamon, and arroz con leche, which is rice pudding with cream. Another savory dish prepared for a Quinceanera is picadillio, a ground beef mixture prepared with spices.

La Noche Buena

• In Spain, the night before Christmas is considered an important celebration referred to as La Noche Buena. This celebration is denoted by a large family feast that can last into the early hours of the new day. It is a time for family and friends to gather and share an abundant menu of food with one another. Some of the menu items for La Noche Buena include jamon, queso y chorizo, which is a chorizo sausage made from ham and cheese. This dish is usually presented at the beginning of the meal much like an appetizer. A first course meal might include sopa de pescado y marisco, which is a fish and shellfish soup. The main courses include dishes like roasted lamb or fried potatoes. Finally, La Noche Buena is topped off with decadent desserts like almond cookies and a variety of candies.

Dia de los Muertos

• In Spain, el Dia de los Muertos (the day of the dead) is a celebration of the loved ones that have passed away. A large part of this celebration is to honor the dead with song, dance, artwork and food. Some of the popular foods that are prepared during el Dia de los Muertos include sweet treats and pastries. Bunelos are served, which are sweet rolls that are prepared with a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar. Another sweet dessert, huesitos de santos, is made by combining almond paste with sweet fillings.