Tapas are small "appetizer size" dishes that are usually enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer. Traditionally, they are quite salty. The general idea is that the tapas are to be shared with friends while you socialize. This can be during a quick break in the middle of your day, or enjoyed over the course of a few hours. They are attractively presented in small, interesting dishes and typically are quite pleasing to the eye.
This is a stack of salami, cheese, cranberry garlic jelly and a piece of parsley.
- To make this, cut 3 pieces of salami and 3 pieces of aged cheese approximately the same size.
- Put the cheese on top of the salami and top it with cranberry garlic jelly or red pepper jelly.
- Garnish with a small piece of parsley.
- Present it on a small dish that is brightly coloured and serve 3 stacks per person, as shown.
This is an avocado tomato salad with bacon, fresh basil and aged cheese. Topped with fresh lime juice, pink Himalayan salt, freshly ground black pepper, and drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- To make this, gather the ingredients.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in slices and the avocado into small cubes. You will need 6 cherry tomatoes and 1/2 an avocado per person. Arrange them in a small bowl with the avocado cubes in the centre and the tomato slices around them.
- Chop the bacon and basil into small pieces and cut one small wedge of lime. You will need 1/2 a piece of bacon, one medium size leaf of basil and a tiny sliver of lime, per person.
- Grate an 1/8th of a cup of aged cheddar cheese or any hard cheese of your choice, per person.
- Squeeze a tiny amount of lime juice directly over top of the avocado cubes and grind the salt and pepper, to taste, over top of the avocado and tomatoes.
- Top with freshly chopped basil, bacon and garnish with shredded cheese.
- Drizzle with a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve in a small bowl.
Spicy Olives
- To make this, simply choose they type of olives you would like to serve. You'll need 5 olives per person and you'll want to decide whether you want olives with or without pits.
- Place 5 olives in a small decorative dish and serve.
Don't be alarmed if the olives don't last very long...they are delicious after all.
I welcome your comments and invite you to join me...there is always room for one more at my table.
Cheers!
~ Rebecca Ryan