Saborea España

Michelle's- Saborea España or Sampling Spain...Tapa-style

The Italians call it antipasto, Chinese dim sum, Turks maze, French hors d'oeuvres and the Spanish tapas. But, unlike their cousins around the world, tapas are more than appetizers. The word tapa means lid or cover, and tapas were originally pieces of bread or cured ham placed on top of a wine glass to keep dust and flies out.

The ingredients that go into the making of Spanish tapas are limitless, and the combinations can stretch as far as the imagination. Vegetables, seafood, poultry, dairy and meat are all part of this grand culinary experience. The key to quality tapas is freshness and prime ingredients. Tapas can be served hot, cold or at room temperature. Most are not difficult or time consuming to prepare, a tapa can be as simple as citrus marinated olives or as involved as mini seafood croquettes!

Throughout Spain from the smallest villages to the largest cities, you'll find tapa bars and restaurants offering dozens of tasty varieties, served in individual ceramic oval dishes and accompanied by a glass of sherry. In Spain the tapa experience goes hand-in-hand with hospitality, friendship and conversation. Guests traditionally linger for hours in an atmosphere that encourages friendly interaction- as will we!

SPANISH TAPA RECIPE RESOURCES:
http://www.arrakis.es/~jols/tapas/
http://www.ericweisstein.com/fun/wine/tapas.html
http://recipes2.alastra.com/spanish/
http://tntn.essortment.com/tapasrecipes_ruym.htm
http://www.andalucia.com/taste/tapas/home.htm
http://www.tienda.com/recipes.html?aid=31
http://www.gourmetfoodplaza.com/CookingRecipes/Tapas.htm
http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/spain/spaintapa.html
http://eltorito.users.netlink.co.uk//bca.html
http://www.spanish-gourmet.com/
http://www.chefnorm.com/tapas.html