'Vegan Eats World' and a note on where to buy spices in Barcelona

As a belated Christmas present (from me to me!) I ordered a copy of Vegan Eats World from the Book Depository. As there was a discount it only cost me €22, which included free delivery to Spain, a bargain for such an immense, hard-cover tome of recipes.

While working full-time means that I don't always cook elaborate meals, I am fascinated by international and regional cuisines- the variety of ingredients, the discovery of new dishes and flavour combinations, the political and social history which shapes food traditions. Hence when I saw the internet hype around 'Vegan Eats World' I knew that I would own it soon. I haven't made anything from it yet but I have started my quest to find some of the authentic ingredients used. So far I have bought some mushroom soya sauce, cardamom, cloves, fennel and star anise, as well as a mortar and pestle to grind up the spices. I haven't been able to find allspice, as I'd like to make some Jamaican curry powder, but the search continues.

I am acquiring a bit of a spice collection, but I think that herbs and spices are the most important items in a vegan (or any) kitchen, so I consider it an investment in deliciousness!

Just a note on where to get spices in Barcelona. I am still discovering where the best places to buy spices are, as Barcelona is an expansive city full of tiny, hidden gems that need to be discovered. All I can do is share my experience. The first places I would recommend to check for any unusual spices are shops that stock gourmet and imported foods such as El Corte Inglés, ColoImport, Deli Shop and A Taste of Home, also larger super/hyper markets such as Carrefour and Al Campo. I found the spices I bought today in some Indian and Asian markets in El Raval, where they are cheaper than in the import shops.

If you have or want any other tips, let me know!