No olive oil left behind

The above title, as stated by my friend Shannon, summarizes the Spanish mantra when it comes to eating. But how do Spaniards make sure they soak up every last drop on their plates?  The answer is simple..

Bread, bread, bread.

Freshly baked bread is a daily staple in the diet over here. Shops on every single corner bake baguettes every morning in their ovens and then sell them very cheaply. It seems like every household buys a fresh baguette every day. Walking down the streets you see people of all ages, from children to grandmothers carrying bread under their arms (ask my dad, it's a phenomenon). 

Bread is literally eaten with everything, and you know you are becoming a true Spaniard when you find yourself soaking up all leftover liquids on your plate with your extra slices of bread (as Shannon and I found ourselves doing at dinner this weekend. We truly have become madrileñas.)

The convenience and low cost of fresh bread has been a treat for me over here. Mercedes serves fresh bread as a side to all meals, and I've enjoyed it very much. She actually travels farther than the typical Spaniard to get her bread. Even though there are a couple places right next door, she crosses the street to go to La Fornata because she likes the employees there. (They always ask her how her grandson is doing.)