I ♡ Tapas…
I love tapas, which in Spainish cuisine is a basic term for a variety of appetizers, snacks and/or bar food.
For me, it’s a great way to have a fairly light meal with a good bottle of wine and the company of good friends. Tapas is more about the company you keep rather than the meal itself.
Although I enjoy eating tapas at various restaurants, I also love to enjoy tapas at home as well. It’s a fairly easy way to invite friends or loved ones over for a quiet intimate evening of good conversation, good music, good food, good wine and good times. Life doesn’t get much better than that.
A few selections of good cheeses and cured meats along with a good bread is key. You’ll also want to make a balsamic and extra virgin olive oil dip for the bread. If you want, you can also infuse the olive oil with your favorite herbs, peppercorns or even fresh or roasted garlic. Just lightly heat up the olive oil, add your favorite herbs or spices and let it cool down naturally. Lastly, pick up a bottle or two of your favorite wine and you’re all set. On this particular day, I picked up a nice “Tempranillo” which is a variety of black grape native to spain and is noted for it’s full bodied flavor.
hamatama 