The original, classic flan is a vanilla egg custard, baked in a water bath and its own caramel sauce. It's simple to prepare and is a favorite in Spain and abroad. Today, with many different kinds of foods and flavorings available in local markets, it's easy to see how the variations on this classic got started. Try one of these delectable flavors, like strawberry, coffee or orange.

• Top Flavored Spanish Flans

_{Photo © Lisa Sierra, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

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In Spain, Christmas Eve is celebrated by gathering the family around the dinner table and sharing a great, big feast in the late evening. Prepare a Spanish Christmas Menu from appetizers to roast lamb and finally desserts, coffee and liqueurs, or choose one or two recipes to add some variety to your meal. We are sure you won't be disappointed!

Remember that Christmas is only a week away, so finish your menu planning and start preparing your party now. Kevin Weeks, About's Guide to Cooking for Two has written a handy article entitled Tips for Planning a Party, including a spreadsheet for planning and completing everything on the "to do" list, including shopping! It's sure to take some of the stress and work out of your party and menu planning.

• Spanish Christmas Menu

_{Photo © Lisa Sierra, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

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In the last installment of the Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange, Guides from Europe and South American sites write about their favorites:

From Elaine Lemm, About's Guide to British Food recommends Scottish Shortbread , traditionally eaten on New Years Eve, but this Scottish Shortbread Recipe is too good to save for just one occasion, eat it anytime, it's delicious.

About's French Food Guide Rebecca Franklin suggests Madeleines, plump, little sponge cakes traditionally flavored with vanilla. This version has a small bit of orange zest for added warmth and aroma - perfect for holiday celebrations! Rebecca goes on to say, "When one thinks of palmiers, the tiny scroll-like pastries, sweet and flaky cookies come to mind. These cinnamon palmiers are just that: warm and buttery, with a touch of comforting, caramelized cinnamon. You can whip up these treats ultra-fast, so they're perfect for last-minute gatherings or an untamed sweet tooth."

Marian Blazes, South American Food Guide on About.com suggests Alfajores, made with almond paste. Marian says these "are my favorite version of this classic South American cookie. The cookies are buttery and rich with almond flavor, but not too sweet, which sets off the caramel dulce de leche filling perfectly. Alfajores are a good cookie to send in the mail, as they taste even better several days after they are made.

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Are you looking for a special gift for someone who just loves to prepare or eat Spanish food? If so, we have some suggestions for you - from paella pans to cava, Spanish sparkling wine. There is something to fit your budget.

• Top Gifts for the Spanish Food Enthusiast

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About's Virtual Cookie Exchange for Today

Syrie Wongkaew, About's Australian Food Guide suggests Chocolate Melting Moments that are filled with a creamy vanilla icing and then sandwiched together. They literally melt-in-your-mouth!

Diana Rattray, Southern Food Guide loves Mom's Date Drop Cookies. A delicious date filling makes these easy drop cookies extra-special, and they make a great addition to your Chirstmas cookie list. She also suggests Raspberry-Filled Almond Cookies, delightful cookies made with a cream cheese cookie dough rolled in coarsely ground almonds, and filled with a dab of seedless raspberry jam.

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