Tapas: History of and Menu Ideas for these Spanish Appetizers


© Ann Silberman
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Inviting your friends over for a Tapas party is a great way to liven up your social calendar. Play a little Spanish guitar music on the stereo and serve up the little delicacies known as Tapas with a glass of Sangria.

Tapas in Spain and in North America

Tapas originated in Andalucia, a Southern Province of Spain. The word "tapa" translates as "cover." Tapas traditionally may have been a complimentary piece of ham served on top of a glass of sherry (hence the word cover), but we know them today as small portions of food commonly served as a snack while having a drink.

Tapas can be as simple as a bowl of olives, or something more hearty, such as stuffed potatoes. They are becoming increasingly popular in North America. There are Tapas bars in most of the major cities, and instead of being a simple bite to accompany a drink, they are now the purpose of the meal.

Tapas are a wonderful way to share food. Friends gather together and pick from an array of sumptuous delicacies. All plates are shared. Tapas are visually appealing and enticing in their variety. They are truly the ultimate in an appetizer meal.

Putting Together a Tapas Menu

Some of the more innovative Tapas are:

  • Miniature Iberico and Jalapeno Souffles
  • Pears with Cabrales Cheese and Fried Sage Leaves
  • Seared Scallops with Saffron-Orange Aioli
  • Serrano Style Ham and Potato Phyllo Pizza with Mahon
  • Sherried Stuffed Mushroom Turnovers

With Tapas, you must serve drinks. A glass of wine, an ice cold beer, or Sangria is just wonderful with Tapas, and perfect for either a winter or summer day.

Tapas is a wonderful way to share food, wine, and a leisurely time with your friends.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

2.   Feb 21, 1999 3:35 PM
I love Tapas too, and enjoy the tapas bar in my city. Never having been to Spain, I don't know how traditional it is, but it's definately great fun, and certainly a nice way to eat. Thank you for th ...

-- posted by _Ann_


1.   Feb 20, 1999 6:36 AM
One of the best parts of any trip to Spain is visiting Tapas bars. It is one of those ideas that I have always loved and have always tried to recreate whenever I have or cater a cocktail party. Forget ...

-- posted by Wen





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