The carbonilla brazier

Literally translated: charcoal barbecue.

Not for baking, no no, to warm you up!

Now that we have entered the coldest month (January - February), this bowl made of iron, copper or brass covered with charcoal is used as a heat source.

In the past, you would find these bowls under the tables in many homes as a 'foot warmer', wonderfully warm, but if you sat too close or too long, you would get a rash. (Often a 'clothes line' was stretched around the legs of the tables to dry urgently needed clothing.)

Depending on the charcoal used, the fire could also sometimes smell; this was quickly remedied with a few sprigs of dried lavender.

Today, most homes have adequate heating and the bowls are rarely used.

Admittedly it does have some charm... because recently we got a 'brasero' pushed under our table in a nearby restaurant, although the original bowl had become an ice bucket with charcoal but the effect was there: the fear of putting your feet in it, the smell, but above all a pleasant warmth.

I'm a fan!