Tapas and Papas!

Tapas are  small snacks and appetizers that are served throughout  Spain and come in many different forms,  both cold and hot.  I have tried several different recipes  and all are delicious!  Tapas are usually made with local fresh ingredients depending on the region of Spain they are from are a great way to start a meal. I hope you can find a local Tapas restaurant near you and try some tasty treats.  Its a great way to introduce new  flavors to your family and open up the door to a new culinary experience!    Get in the kitchen and be sure and try one of the tapas recipes below.

Interesting Info:   The Origin of Tapas

According to an article from About.com the origin of Tapas is sketchy but interesting. Here are several stories about the origin of tapas, which are a part of the folklore:

It is told that King Alfonso X, el Sabio or “the Wise One,” made sure that Castilian taverns serve wine accompanied by something to eat, so that the wine would not go straight to the clients’ heads.

Another story claims that while on a long trip, King Alfonso had stopped to rest in the town of Ventorillo del Chato in the province of Cádiz, and he ordered a glass of jerez or sherry. There was a gusty wind, so the inn keeper served him his glass of sherry covered by a slice of ham to prevent the sherry from getting dirty. King Alfonso apparently liked it, and when he asked for a second glass, he requested another tapa or “cover” just like the first.

Whatever the true origin of tapas, prepare one or several, then enjoy them like the Spanish do – with a relaxed attitude !

Here are a couple of recipes for some popular tapas that are  easy and delicious ! Youngsters can surely help mom an dad peel and mix the ingredients.

(Papas )PATATAS Alioli

• 3/4 pound potatoes, preferably red potatoes

• 1/2 Cup mayonnaise

• 3  cloves garlic, mashed to a paste or put through a garlic press

• 2 Tablespoons minced Italian parsley

Bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water, mixed with a little chicken broth if you wish, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the potatoes in the water, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Drain and cool the potatoes in a colander.

Cut the potatoes into 3/4 inch chunks.

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic and parsley, The mayonnaise should be a little thin to combine smoothly with the potatoes, stir in a  little fresh lemon juice ,1 or 2 tsp to dilute.

Fold in the potatoes gently, season with salt and let sit for about 20 minutes at room temperature before serving. Or make ahead and refrigerate, then return to room temperature before serving.

Enjoy!!

Ensalada de Judias Blancas  (White Bean Salad)

• 3/4 pound cooked white beans or chickpeas  (good quality canned beans rinsed work well)

• 1 medium organic tomato, cubed

• 1 hard boiled egg, sliced and cut in half

• 4 pitted cured black olives, each cit in 4 pieces

• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

• 2 tablespoons fruity olive oil

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• salt and 1 clove of garlic mashed

In a bowl gently combine the beans, tomato egg, olives and parsley.  In a separate bowl whisk the oil , vinegar, salt and garlic.

Carefully fold the oil and vinegar dressing  into the bean mixture and let marinate in the refrigerator for several hours.  Serve with toasted bread and enjoy!