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Anyone who's ever sat with their elbows propped on the well-worn wood of a Spanish tapas bar, with plates of sautéed mushrooms and morcilla (blood sausage) to one side, a bottle of good Rioja to the other, and chatty Spaniards for neighbors, will tell you life doesn't get much better. Tapas spur conversation and camaraderie. Every region of Spain has its specialties, and individual tapas bars within those regions have their own. This menu takes you there.

 

Spanish Tapas Party

 

Savory bite-size dishes and superb reds, whites, and Sherries pair up in this lively new take on the cocktail party


Centuries before the cocktail party was invented, there were tapas, the festive finger food of Spain. These savory bite-size snacks have their origin in Spanish inns, where it was customary to serve patrons nibbles of almonds or olives, compliments of the house, with a glass of chilled fino Sherry (the word tapas comes from the Spanish verb meaning "to cover," as the food was traditionally presented on a plate perched atop the glass of Sherry). Today tapas can be more elaborate and often are accompanied by red or white wine, or even beer.

This menu features the breadth of Spanish cuisine — from the exotic spices of the region of Andalusia in the south to the bright flavors of Catalonia in the north — with great Spanish wines to match. Best of all, tapas encourage a style of eating that is casual, fun-loving, and free from rules. In other words, perfect for a party.

 

Tapas Menu

Spanish Deviled Eggs (Huevos de Diablo) – Deviled Eggs with a Zing! Cumin, capers, cilantro, pickled and ground chiles. A perfect tapa.

Red Onion and Orange Salad (Ensalada de Cebolla y Naranja) – This popular and colorful salad lends a festive note to any tapas table, and is featured in many tapas bar throughout Spain. There are many regional variations for this tapa. Here we have oranges, red onions, sunflower seeds and almonds in a tangy vinaigrette made with raspberry vinegar.

Citrus-and-Clove-Marinated Shrimp (Camaron con Jugo de Limon y Lima y Clavo) – This recipe is from Andalusia in the south. A recipe for perfectly poached shrimp marinated overnight in lemon and lime juices and exotic spices.

Spanish Chicken Wings – Chicken Wings in Garlic Sauce (Pollo al ajo) - Seared chicken wings braised in a sauce of garlic, lemon and sherry.

Pork Meatballs (Albondigas) – This recipe is from the north of Spain. Bite-size savory meatballs coated in a tangy sauce. A very traditional tapa.

Fried Eggplant with Honey, Mint, and Sesame Seeds (Frito Berenjena con Miel, Menta, y Sesamo) - This recipe is from Andalusia. The North African touches of honey and mint come by way of the Moors, who ruled the region for centuries. Fried eggplant rounds sprinkled with warm honey, sesame seeds and fresh mint.

Dessert

Melon Trio with Sherry and Mint (Melon con Jerez y Miel) - Melon marinated with dry sherry and mint leaves is a typical — and refreshing — ending to a hearty Spanish dinner.

Spanish Coffecake (Torta Exotico) – A moist and spicy cake from the Extremadura region with a nutty crumb filling and topping and a sweet glaze.

Potato Cookies (Panellets) – These cookies are traditionally served for All Saints Day on November 1st in Catalonia. And yes, they are supposed to be squishy when you eat them.

Wines of Spain

Marques de Riscal White - The Wine Spectator: This soft, smooth white shows pear, vanilla and honey flavors, balanced nicely between light sweetness and gentile acidity. Wine Spectator: 85 Points. Best Value Wine from Spain Score: 85. thewinebuyer.com price:  $6.99

 

Bodegas Naia Las Brisas 2005 - The Wine Buyer: This interesting blend of 50% Verdejo plus equal parts of Sauvignon Blanc and Viura has a lovely floral and honeysuckle nose. The palate features juicy flavors of lime, other citrus fruits and melons with a nice mouthfeel. Crisp and refreshing, this is one great summertime refresher for the deck! Score: 90. thewinebuyer.com price: $8.99

 

Venta Mazzaron Tempranillo 2003 - The Wine Advocate: A superb discovery by broker Jorge Ordonez, the terrific 2003 Venta Mazzaron is a top-notch value. It offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of blackberries, cherries, smoke, licorice, and earth. Medium-bodied and elegant, with wonderful sweetness, plush tannin, and a long, pure finish, it will drink well for 2-3 years. Score: 90. thewinebuyer.com price: $11.99

 

Vina Y Tia De Lozar 2004 - The Wine Advocate Wow! What a super bargain. Even better, 3,000 cases are exported to the United States. A tasty, surprisingly textured, rich offering, it displays notes of melted licorice, creme de cassis, cigar smoke, cedar wood, and spice box. This fleshy, medium to full-bodied, pure, persistent, savory, unfiltered cuvee will provide immense pleasure over the next 2-3 years. Score: 89. thewinebuyer.com price: $10.99

 

Alvear Pedro Ximenez De Anada 2003 - The Wine Advocate: A super value, the fruit for the 2003 Pedro Ximenez de Anada was dried in the sun before being fermented. A medium amber color is found in this sweet, unctuous effort offering abundant amounts of nut-like, caramel, and toffee flavors as well as full body and a tremendous finish. It is a sensational after-dinner sherry. Score: 94. thewinebuyer.com price $11.99

 

Beverage (non-alcholic)

 

Virgin Pomegranate Sangria - This brightly flavored beverage, a take-off on the traditional Spanish Sangria, is great for all people. Fruity and delicious.

 

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