TAPAS, AMIGAS!

Spring in full bloom.  Feels like a Tapas kind of day.

Let's start with some refreshing Red Sangria, shall we? 

Classic Spanish Sangria

And let's get caught up with our latest personal news over some healthy Tapas.

(from top) Roasted Herbed Almonds with Mancheego Cheese;

Spiced Chickpeas with Pimento-stuffed Olives;

Cheese-filled Eggplant Rolls;

Spanish Tropical Salad

But please make sure to leave room for some Paella.

Delicious and hearty Paella

And let's not forget the special treat of two flavors of homemade sorbet.

Cucumber, Celery and Gin with Red Grapefruit Sorbet

Can a fine Spring afternoon get any better than the company of sweet friends, tasty eats and amazing answered prayers?  This is one tough act to follow.  But try must we next month.  

In the meantime, enjoy the perfect weather while it lasts.

Recipes

Red Sangria  click here

Roasted Herbed Almonds

1/2 lb raw almonds

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary

sea salt to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Coat almonds with olive oil, rosemary and seal salt.

3. Spread over cookie sheet and roast in oven until almonds turn golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Spiced Chickpeas  click here

Cheese-filled Eggplant Rolls

1 large eggplant, sliced length-wise into 1/2 thick ribbons

6 oz. crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup finely chopped kalamata olives

1/2 cup sliced grape tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

fresh basil leaves

1 clove garlic, smashed

1 cup olive oil

1 tbsp grated parmesan

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1. Place smashed garlic in olive oil, cover and let sit for 1 hr to fully infuse oil with garlic flavor.

2. Heat grill or griddle to medium high.

3. Brush one side of eggplant slices with garlic infused oil, place coated side on grill until browned.

4. Turn over and coat with remaining oil, grill until both sides are cooked and browned, let cool.

5. Mix feta cheese with olives, tomatoes and parsley into a paste-like consistency.

6. Line grilled eggplant slices with basil leaves (use one large leaf or several small leaves).

7. Fill center of basil with cheese mixture and roll eggplant slice into a ball

8. Mix well grated parmesan and garlic powder.

9. Arrange eggplant rolls on a platter and sprinkle with garlic parmesan.

Spanish Tropical Salad

1 pineapple

1 large mango

2 kiwis

1 large anjou pear

1 cup fresh strawberries

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp honey

2 sprigs fresh mint

salt and pepper to taste

1. Slice all fruit into bite-size pieces, set aside 1 slice from each fruit, place remaining in a salad bowl.

2. To make dressing, mix a slice of each fruit with olive oil, lemon zest, honey, 1 sprig of mint, salt and pepper in a blender.

3. Finely chop remaining mint.

4. Before serving drizzle fruit salad with dressing and chopped mint.

Paella

Cucumber, Celery and Gin Sorbet

Red Grapefruit Sorbet