Preparing Classic Tapas

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-733 -- More Projects »

Culinary expert Colleen Miner shares ideas for making classic Spanish tapas.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Tapas are Spanish appetizers, usually served with cocktails, but sometimes built into an entire meal. The traditional tapas served in Spain was just a glass of sherry with a slice of ham on top (figure A).
Tapas can be anything from simple fare such as olives and bite-size servings of ham and cheese (figure B) to more elaborate dishes such as omelets and small sandwiches.
Typical foods found in tapas are ham, a variety of olives, roasted red peppers (figure C) and Manchego cheese. Manchego is a sheep's milk cheese that comes from the La Mancha region of Spain. Sometimes described as similar to Parmesan, Manchego works great by itself as a snack or melted on dishes.
You can either purchase canned roasted peppers, or you can make your own at home.

Figure D

To make your own roasted peppers simply use tongs and place the pepper on the grill or over the open flame of a gas stove. Once the skin begins to blister, place peppers into a paper bag to steam. After the pepper cools, remove the skin (figure D).

Another method for roasting peppers is to cut the top and bottom off of the pepper, remove the insides and roast under the broiler until the skin begins to blister.

Figure E

Another favorite tapas item is the Spanish tortilla (figure E) . To make one, heat half a chopped onion and one sliced and peeled potato in a small pan. Sauté until the potato becomes tender. Add two or three scrambled eggs, heat on one side until brown, then flip. To serve, cut into wedges and top with peppers and cheese.

Also in this Episode

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-733
•	Preparing Classic Tapas
•	Making Life Less Hectic
•	Building a New Wardrobe
•	Tip of the Day

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Preparing Classic Tapas

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At Home

Preparing Classic Tapas

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