I have been on a tapas kick throughout the pandemic. It started last summer when it was ok to get together with friends, so long as it was outdoors. Even though we have progressed, I still like to serve tapas with a cocktail or a glass of wine or two before a light supper. I find that an al fresco setting is a nice way to start an evening, especially now that summer has arrived and our appetites have adjusted to warmer temperatures and lighter fare.
Tapas is like an appetizer as it can be served with a fork and knife but can as easily be hand held or served on a small plate. Tapas are really an assortment of tasty savory bites. These may include some really rustic home cooked dishes like fried potatoes (not French Fries) or scrambled eggs which are creamy and still a bit runny, or even eggs and potatoes combined with onions baked and served as a tortilla.
There seems to be an endless variety of these savory bites. I have probably made a couple of dozen of them over the last few months, and I am still exploring new tapas recipes each time that we entertain. You can check Small Bites on my Recipe page for a complete list of these, along with some other delicious hors d’oeuvres from other cuisines.
So, here are my three favorite tapas:
Banderillas, Small Bites on Small Skewers
Grilled Shrimp with Old Bay and Garlic Aioli
Ok, so maybe I have just three more that I love.
Piquillo Peppers and Sardine Tartines
Actually, if you search for ‘tapas’ on my Recipes page, you’ll probably find another 6 that I love, I’ve made them all, some two or three times. I just think that these small bites are the perfect beginning to an al fresco summer supper with friends.
