May Dinner, Tapas, Date Change

Hello Everyone,


Our May dinner has snuck up on us and I think we should postpone until next week, May 24.  Our theme is TAPAS.  Information about tapas is pasted below.  Please use the comment box to say what you are bringing.  I am making Pollo al ajillo. I'll make dessert.  Spanish drinks would be appropriate tonight too! See you at 6:00-my house.

What are Tapas?

By Lisa & Tony Sierra, About.com Guides

See More About:

• spanish food faqs
• tapas recipes

Patatas Bravas - Bravas Potatoes

(c) 2006 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com

Ads

Hannaford Party PlattersUse our Crowd Calculator to Order the Right Size Platter for a Party.www.hannaford.com/PartyPlatters

Carbonite Online BackupKeep your files safe from just $59. Don't lose everything. Buy today!www.Carbonite.com

Tapas RecipesBrowse delicious tapas recipes. Recipes ready in under 30 minutes.www.HalfHourMeals.com

Ads

Bud Light Lime-A-RitaThe Ready to Drink Margarita with a Refreshing Twist of Bud Light Lime!www.facebook.com/BudLightLime

Pandora CharmsAll Pandora Charms & Jewelry in Stock. Same-Day, Free Shipping!PreciousAccents.com/Pandora

Question: What are Tapas?

Tapas are snacks, canapés or finger food that originated in Spain. Tapas come in many different forms and can vary from town to town! But, what are they?

Answer: Tapas can be practically anything from a chunk of tuna, cocktail onion and an olive skewered on a long toothpick, to piping hot meat with sauce served in a miniature clay dish - or anything in between. Tapas are served day in and day out in every bar and café in Spain. So much a part of the culture and social scene that the Spanish people invented the verb tapearwhich means to go and eat tapas!

In most regions, you must order and pay for a raciónor serving, but in the province of Granada, one smalltapa is complimentary with each round of drinks ordered. Tapas keep the Spanish fueled for their long journeys from bar to bar before their midday meal, as well as in the evening before dinner.

The Origin of Tapas

There are several stories about the origin of tapas, which are a part of the folklore:

It is told that King Alfonso X, el Sabio or “the Wise One,” made sure that Castilian taverns served wine accompanied by something to eat, so that the wine would not go straight to the clients' heads.

Another story claims that while on a long trip, King Alfonso had stopped to rest in the town of Ventorillo del Chato in the southern province of Cádiz, and he ordered a glass of jerez orsherry. There was a gusty wind, so the inn keeper served him his glass of sherry covered by a slice of ham to prevent the sherry from getting dirty. King Alfonso apparently liked it, and when he asked for a second glass, he requested another tapa or “cover” just like the first.

Whatever the true origin of tapas, prepare one or several, then enjoy them like the Spanish do – with a glass of wine and a relaxed attitude. ¡Ah! Divino… or Divine…

Blessing of the Fleet Recipes

Chocolate Chip Scones

2 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

3/4 cup miniature chocolate chips

3/4 cup chilled buttermilk

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Butter and flour baking sheet. Combine dry ingredients.  Add butter and lemon peel; rub in with fingertips until butter is the size of rice grains.  Mix in chocolate chips. In a bowl combine wet ingredients. Add liquids to dry ingredients. Forma a ball, press onto lightly floured surface. Cut into 6-8 wedges. Transfer to baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.  Brush scones with milk.  Sprinkle with flour. Bake at 400 about 20 minutes.  

Lemon Squares

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups plus 1 TBL flour

1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

4 large eggs

 2 cups sugar

grated rind of 1 large lemon

6 TBL lemon juice

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 cups chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 325. Grease 9x13 pan. Beat together the butter, 2 cups flour, and the confectioner's sugar until fluffy. Scrape into pan and press until even. Bake 15 minutes.

Beat eggs and sugar until light. Add lemon juice and rind. Add TBL flour and 1/2 tsp baking powder, then nuts. Mix well. Pour lemon mixture into crust and return to oven to bake for 35 minutes.