In the fall, Barcelona streets are invaded by a beautiful aroma: roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. On many urban corners, vendors set up stalls selling these two seasonal treats. Locals celebrate All Saints Day (Nov. 1) with panellets, sweet little pastries made with almonds and pine nuts. The traditional castañada, a chestnut roasting festival, is a yearly tradition kids kids look forward to, as the Castanyera, the older woman who appears and grants the festival more lore and local flavor, is one of everybody's favorite figures.

In this class, we will celebrate the season with recipes both traditional and modern: panellets are on the menu, as well as dishes that use the seasonal ingredients with influences from other places near Barcelona and the Mediterranean: hummus from the Middle East and risotto from Italy.