Simple tapas make for stress-free entertaining.

Simple Entertaining: Wine and Tapas

by Sue Lau | Palatable Pastime

8.19.14

I was shopping recently at Trader Joe’s and came across a couple packages of meats and cheeses that I thought would be a lovely accompaniment for a Spanish wine I had purchased a couple months back. These are easy to pick up while shopping but I have listed the contents if you need to purchase a different brand. These types of meats and cheese will be available at many upscale delis.
Tapas and wine make a really simple appetizer for entertaining and can be put together in a few minutes with no fuss, making this type of food perfect for when friends drop by unexpectedly or when you don’t want to put a lot of work into the nibbles.
Traditionally, tapas were a way to keep unwanted flies out of drinks. Later they evolved into complimentary foods for the customer, much the way popcorn and pretzels are served in pubs today. Of course, in recent years, tapas have become an art form unto themselves, but they need not be fussed over to be enjoyed.
This appetizer is very similar to antipasto, which means to be served “before the meal.”
The wine I served with this is from the Luzon winery, of the region Jumilla, which is southeast of Madrid in Spain. It is moderately priced and very economical at about $20 per bottle and is a proprietary type of red wine. It has a big bold flavor and is a good red table wine, dry in character while being boldly fruity as well, similar to Syrah. It may or may not be available in your wine store so just go with what you can.

I hope you enjoy. This type of easy tapas is always a hit here.
~Sue

Simple Entertaining: Wine and Tapas

• Servings: 2-4
• Time: 10mins
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

Ingredients:

• 1 6-ounce pkg. Trader Joe’s Spanish Brand Deli Selection (containing 2 ounces Salchichon, 2 ounces Jamon Serrano Ham, 2 ounces Chorizo Cantipalo)
• 1 5.29 ounce pkg. Trader Joe’s Tapas Sampler Cheese (containing Iberico, Cabra al Vino, and Manchego cheese slices)
• 1 small baguette, sliced
• olive oil
• garlic powder
• Spanish olives
• peperoncini
• Spanish wine

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. Slice baguette, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
3. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-35 minutes until crisp.
4. Arrange meats, cheese, toasts, peppers and olives on a serving platter.
5. Serve tapas with wine.

You might also like:

Gambas al Ajillo

Caramelized Balsamic Onion Jam

Pimientos al Reves

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