Queimada

Queimada, the fire drink of Galicia.  Love the name.  In fact, this typical drink is as fascinating as it's name.

What is Queimada? There are many myths and mysteries surrounding the ritual of making Queimada known as the fire drink of Galicia.  It is  thought to have originated in ancient times when Celts established villages and settled in the region of Galicia.

Made with Orujo (read about it here) a strong liqueur similar to grappa.  Much of the alcohol however is burned off in the flames.

Orujo

Queimada is an ideal drink for an outdoor Halloween parties and your guests can appreciate the fun in watching it being prepared as the flames rise from pot. See below for the ritual quoted to cast the spell when making this drink.

Queimada Recipe (6 servings):-

1 Ltr orujo (substitute Italian grappa if not available)
240g granulated sugar
rind of one lemon cut into strips
2tbsp whole coffee beans

You will need a large fireproof clay pot or bowl, sealed or glazed on the interior and a very long-handled wooden spoon to stir the queimada.

Place the clay pot or bowl on a fireproof table or onto a cold BBQ. Have a large lid ready to put out the flames.

Pour approximately 4 Tbsp orujo and 1 Tbsp sugar into a small glass and stir to dissolve sugar, then set aside.

Pour the rest of the orujo and remaining sugar into the clay bowl and stir. Add the lemon peel and coffee beans and stir again. Pour the orujo and sugar mixture from the glass into a ladle and light it on fire. Carefully move the ladle very close to the clay pot until the orujo mixture in the pot catches fire. Stir frequently until the flames turn blue. Slide the lid over the pot to put out the flames. Serve hot.

The Conjuro or "Spell"

Traditionally, as the alcohol in the Queimada burns, the following is recited in Gallego, the language of Galicia. It is a call to the earth, wind, sea and fire to purify the drink and share it with souls of family and friends who cannot be here to enjoy the Quiemada. This is the Spanish version:

Búhos, lechuzas, sapos y brujas.
Demonios maléficos y diablos, espíritus de las nevadas vegas.
Cuervos, salamandras y meigas, hechizos de las curanderas.
Podridas cañas agujereadas, hogar de gusanos y de alimañas.
Fuego de las almas en pena, mal de ojo, negros hechizos, olor de los muertos, truenos y rayos.
Ladrido del perro, anuncio de la muerte; hocico del sátiro y pie del conejo.
Pecadora lengua de la mala mujer casada con un hombre viejo.
Infierno de Satán y Belcebú, fuego de los cadáveres en llamas, cuerpos mutilados de los indecentes, pedos de los infernales c-los, mugido de la mar embravecida.
Vientre inútil de la mujer soltera, maullar de los gatos en celo, pelo malo y sucio de la cabra mal parida.
Con este cazo levantaré las llamas de este fuego que se asemeja al del infierno, y huirán las brujas a caballo de sus escobas, yéndose a bañar a la playa de las arenas gordas
. ¡Oíd, oíd! los rugidos que dan las que no pueden dejar de quemarse en el aguardiente quedando así purificadas.
Y cuando este brebaje baje por nuestras gargantas, quedaremos libres de los males de nuestra alma y de todo embrujamiento.
Fuerzas del aire, tierra, mar y fuego, a vosotros hago esta llamada: si es verdad que tenéis más poder que la humana gente, aquí y ahora, haced que los espíritus de los amigos que están fuera, participen con nosotros de esta queimada.

Courtesy of Spanishfoodaabout.com

Reciting this during your festivities adds extra fun and excitment too.

Buen Provecho

What are your plans for Halloween? Will you be hosting a party?  Perhaps you may even wish to try this fascinating drink and ritual yourself!

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