How many of these delicious Catalan pastries have you tried? To get to know them better, we have made the sweetest duel: Catalan pastries vs. American pastries. We have chosen famous Catalan and American pastries which are similar somehow, for some reason. Then here is the game: which are the most yummy ones to you?
1. Carquinyolis vs Chocolate chip cookies
This first duel is starred by two different (kind of) cookies:
Carquinyolis: You won’t find them easily! Since they are typical Catalan cookies which are traditionally made in little villages. It is one of the most iconic Catalan pastry, which looks like a cookie with almonds inside.
Chocolate cookies: Known worldwide, simply and delicious. Originated in the united States, the chocolate cookies are one of the most famous American pastries.
2. Xuixo vs Cronut
Xuixo: A pastry which is kind of a roll covered with sugar but the inside… the inside is just a delicious cream! No words to describe that flavour. Simply delicious.
Cronut: Created recently at Ankel’s bakery, in New York. It’s a mix of croissant and donut. It is probably the American pastry that looks more similar to the xuixo. Also, something similar to the xuixo could be the New York rolls, which are also made in Barcelona!
3. Panellets vs Pumpkin pie
Halloween and La Castanyada, two different festivities with their own traditions (and pastries!):
Panellets: Instead of Halloween, in Catalonia we celebrate La Castanyada. Castanyes and boniatos are the typical food during this festivity, but also panellets, which are little sweet balls covered with pine nuts.
Pumpkin pie: When Halloween approaches, pumpkin pies get all the attention in the American kitchens. Made out of pumpkin, it’s definitely one of the most famous American pies.
4. Pa de pessic vs Apple pie
This 4th duel is about typical cakes:
Pa de pessic: It is a typical Catalan cake, really easy to prepare. You just need flour, eggs and sugar. Sounds simple, but simplicity can also be delicious.
Apple pie: Even though it is not originally from the US… What in North-America more famous than the apple pie? A classic cake that you can prepare at home easily.
5. Coca de Sant Joan vs Red Velvet cake
The last duel, which is the most colorful:
Coca de Sant Joan: During the Sant Joan celebration, we welcome the summer in the most special way: with campfires, fireworks and also eating Coca de Sant Joan, one of the most famous Catalan cakes which is specially made for this day.
Red Velvet cake: It is specially made during Christmas or Valentine’s Day, since red is a symbolic color for both festivities.
How many of them have you tried? Which sweet gastronomy are you more into?
You can prepare many of these pastries and cakes at home (pa de pessic, panellets, red velvet cake, chocolate chip cookies…) or you can find them in bakeries in Barcelona. You can go to buy bread and… try for the first time that xuixo for breakfast!