ARGENTINA - The Swiss , the Welsh and the Germans of Bariloche

Bariloche in the Lake district of Northern Patagonia is a ski resort town and has a real alpine feel to it. It is the main ski resort town of Argentina with the resort Catedral about 10km along the road.
The Swiss settled here, so there are many alpine features, wooden chalets, fondues, strudel and chocolate. A wander round town was a sweet-toothed paradise!

Swiss strudel

Bariloche - A chocolate lover's paradise!!

 and of course ice cream!!

The Welsh


As well as the Swiss, the Welsh settled in Patagonia (wanting to get as far away from any neighbours as possible!). They mainly headed to the east of Patagonia to form the towns of Gaiman and Trelew, but we managed to find one Welsh descendent near Bariloche with a lovely guest house and tea room. Perfect location, right at the end of our 25km cycle!!

Welsh afternoon tea

And the Germans

And one for the road home. Many little artesan breweries have popped up around Bariloche!

Luckily we were here for a few days, so plenty time to walk and cycle in amongst all the eating and drinking!!

To get in the mood for Christmas!

Recipe for chocolate and dulce de leche truffles

120g / 4 oz vanilla/plain cookies, or sponge cake (madeira)
100g / 3.5 oz chocolate cookies
250g / 9oz dulce de leche
50g / 1.5 oz dark chocolate (grated)
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 tablespoon hot water
Alternatives for coating:
50g dessicated coconut, chopped almonds or vermicilli
30g cocoa powder

1. In a bowl, crumble the biscuits/sponge.
2. Dissolve the coffee in the hot water.
3. Add all ingredients and mix with your hands until a good firm mixture.
4. Divide into small portions and roll in to balls about the size of a nut.
5. Roll in the toppings and serve in small paper cases.