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Tapas, Fruit Sangria and Spain On My Mind

June 20, 2012 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh

spanish tapas, fruit sangria, Spicie Foodie

After a few weeks of cold, grey and rainy days summer weather is finally here. The warm weather makes me fantasize about our next holiday destination. Where will it be this year, where will we stay and most importantly what will we eat. In fact every time my husband and I plan a trip the first thing we research is the food.

This year our holiday plans are still up in the air. But a place that made it on our destinations list is Spain. We’d love to see the whole country, stay in a small hotel and really experience the magic of Spain and its people. You can’t beat the fact that the weather is marvelous and the food, oh the food. Though I haven’t been to Spain yet, Spanish cuisine has always been a favorite.

The first time I ate Spanish food was in a quaint cafe owned by a Spanish couple back in the states. I didn’t know what to expect or if it would be anything like Mexican cuisine. Being that I was unfamiliar with the food I asked my then boyfriend, now husband to order for us. He ordered tapas and he couldn’t have made a better choice. We had several vegetables, cheeses, sausages, meats and seafoods. All washed down with a pitcher of sangria. It was a meal I’ll never forget.

All the discussion and triggered memories of Spain and Spanish cuisine left me with a craving for tapas. They are small finger food or appetizers which you can serve at parties or for a Spanish fiesta (party). Tapas are also great for a light meal on a hot summer day.

Being in central Europe I don’t have access to many authentic Spanish ingredients. So the tapas you see here are adapted a bit to local ingredients. Regardless it was a very enjoyable meal.

spanish tapas, fruit sangria, Spicie Foodie

Melon con Jamon
cantaloupe or melon of choice
Jamon Serrano or any cured ham of your choice
sliced baguette or crusty bread, optional

In the photos you’ll see that the melon and ham served two ways. Either wrap the jam around the melon slices or for smaller bites place small slices on top of baguette brushed with olive oil.

spanish tapas, fruit sangria, Spicie Foodie

Pan Con Tomate or Toasted Bread with Tomato
tomatoes, halved
grilled baguette or crusty bread
olive oil
garlic cloves, peeled

Toast the bread in the oven or on a grill. Rub the raw garlic all around the toasted bread, then brush or drizzle with olive oil. Grate the tomato halves onto a bowl or plate, discard the skins. Spread grated tomato over toasted bread.

spanish tapas, fruit sangria, Spicie Foodie

Gildas or Anchovy, Olive and Peppers
Anchovies, I used a small can in olive oil
pitted green olives
roasted sweet red peppers, sliced
toothpicks
sliced baguette or crusty bread, optional
olive oil, optional

Thread the anchovies, olives and peppers through toothpicks. I found that serving the ingredients on small pieces of bread, rubbed with olive oil, helped make a nicer presentation. Additional they stood up and were easier to grab.

spanish tapas, fruit sangria, Spicie Foodie

Gambas al Ajillo or Shrimp in Garlic Sauce
for two people:
200 gm peeled shrimp * (I only had precooked shrimp)
3 tbp olive oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
finely chopped half of red Habanero pepper or milder pepper of your choice
1 large lemon, juiced
splash of white wine, optional
finely chopped parsley, handful
salt to taste
sliced baguette or crusty bread to soak up sauce

1. Heat the olive oil, saute the Habanero or pepper of choice for 1 minute. Next add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, add the shrimp, pour the lemon juice into the pan and cook until shrimp is cooked through. If you’ve used precooked shrimp like I have cook for 5 minutes before taking off the heat. Serve with baguette or crusty bread.

spanish tapas, fruit sangria, Spicie Foodie

Non-Alcoholic Fruit Sangria
1 nectarine, sliced
1 medium orange, sliced
2 small slices of melon, cubed
about 1 cup roughly chopped pinepple, adjust to taste
3 cups sparkling water or seltzer water
1.5 cup apple juice (use 100% kind)
ice cubes
large pitcher

Place fruit and a few ice cubes in pitcher. Pour the juice then sparkling water and give it a stir. Serve over ice. The sangria was naturally sweetened by the fruit and juice, if you would like it sweeter feel free to add sugar.

Our mini Spanish feast was so delicious and light, which is exactly the meal I wanted on this hot day. My husband loved everything, specially the super spicy shrimp. It was worth the chile finger burn.

spanish tapas, fruit sangria, Spicie Foodie

I can’t wait to go to Spain and stuff my belly with every type of tapas that cross my path. Buen provecho!

Filed Under: Drinks, European, Fish/Seafood

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Comments

  1. Rosa says

    June 20, 2012 at 07:57

    A fantastic choice of tapas! Truly mouthwatering and wonderful.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 10:35

      Thank you Rosa!

  2. Emily @ Life on Food says

    June 20, 2012 at 08:43

    Your shrimp looks divine and as does the Sangria. You have one beautiful spread.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 10:35

      Thank you Emily:)

  3. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    June 20, 2012 at 11:02

    You plan a trip just the way my husband and I do…around food. Love the photo of the anchovy tapas.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 12:16

      Haha, I thought we might be the only ones. Thank you:)

  4. TastefullyJulie says

    June 20, 2012 at 11:03

    This is a very impressive spread! I absolutely adore tapas. It’s my nature to want to try everything. If you go to Spain I am going to be very jealous! It’s on my bucket list for sure.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 12:17

      Thanks Julie! You should totally go to Spain, think of all the tapas you could try:)

  5. Maika says

    June 20, 2012 at 11:44

    all looks amazing reminding me of my time working in a a Spanish restaurant :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 12:17

      Thanks!

  6. Adora's Box says

    June 20, 2012 at 12:04

    What a fabulous post! I love Spain and its old world charms and its exquisite food. Nowhere else would bread with tomato smear taste so good. Fantastic photos, as always.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 12:17

      Thank you Adora. Spanish cuisine is just so great at turning simple into pretty darn special.

  7. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    June 20, 2012 at 13:26

    Beautiful presentation! I must try the shrimp in garlic sauce and I love the non-alcoholic sangria!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 17:28

      Thank you Laura!

  8. Kitchen Karma says

    June 20, 2012 at 13:45

    I just came back from a short holiday to Barcelona….the food was awesome…would love to explore other parts of Spain too….hope you have a great holiday….love the food photos :-)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 17:28

      Oh how lucky for you:) Thank you !

  9. DB-The Foodie Stuntman says

    June 20, 2012 at 15:55

    You always take the most beautiful pictures. I hope you and your husband get to Spain!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 17:28

      Thank you so much DB:)

  10. RecipeNewZ says

    June 20, 2012 at 16:14

    Beautiful tapas! And that sangria is amazing! How brilliant to use apple juice instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version :-). Certainly something to make for a picnic on a nice summer day. It’s perfect because you’re not allowed to drink alcohol on public beaches here :-)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 17:02

      Hi Elana,

      Thank you! I have to say that even though I love alcoholic sangria I didn’t miss it at all. The juice was a great substitute. Oh gosh no alcohol on public beaches? Geesh that sucks:(

  11. Marnie says

    June 20, 2012 at 17:25

    Missing: tortilla de patatas and allioli!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 17:29

      Hi Marnie,

      Yes, in this post. But those will come later, two of my favorites:)

  12. kankana says

    June 20, 2012 at 19:27

    I absolutely enjoy the warmth of your photos. The tapas .. the sangria .. the way you styled it .. makes me wanna join the party :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 20:22

      Thank you Kankana. Come on over there’s plenty for everyone:)

  13. Julia {The Roasted Root} says

    June 20, 2012 at 19:50

    I love this! I’ve never had authentic tapas, and my friends who have had tapas tell me they’re delicious and a fun experience! It’d be great to do a tapas night at home with friends and wine/cocktails. This post is beautiful and inspires me to try something new! Thanks!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 20:23

      Hi Julia,

      Thank you. Oh yes tapas are perfect for a get together. I hope you do try some tapas or something else new:)

  14. Kelly says

    June 20, 2012 at 20:09

    Stunning photos! Everything looks amazing, especially that sangria, mmmm! :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 20, 2012 at 20:23

      Thanks Kelly!

  15. Victoria of Flavors of the Sun says

    June 20, 2012 at 20:49

    Wonderful photos as always. I love the tapas concept. My only problem in Spain is that the Spanish eat sooooooo late! Sometimes it is hard to get good tapas early enough for me! I, too, plan my trips around food. It is reassuring to know that others exist who do the same!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:49

      Hi Victoria,

      Thanks! Yes they do eat late. We are night owls so that’s not a problem for us. Lol, good to know there are others alike:)

  16. Suzanne Perazzini says

    June 20, 2012 at 21:58

    Like many others, I love tapas. It’s always a pleasure to be able to sample many different flavours in one meal. I can see you had fun arranging the Gildas but the prawns would be my favorite here.
    When we went on a road trip through Spain, we ate paella every lunchtime, washed down by a few glasses of white wine. We would then sleepily crawl back into the car, drive to the nearest camping site and set up our tent and go to sleep. Great memories.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:50

      Hi Suzanne,

      Sampling many different flavours at once is my favorite way of eating, that’s why I love tapas so much. Oh Paella! It’s hubby’s favorite and he would do just as you did on your road trip.

  17. Cheryl/Chef Kokopelli says

    June 20, 2012 at 22:38

    BEAUTIFUL POST!! AWESOME PHOTOS!! Has me aching to get back over to Spain (I think I’d settle for digging in for the food!)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:51

      Thank you Cheryl!

  18. Tania @ A Perfect Pantry says

    June 21, 2012 at 00:13

    Such a delicious choice of tapas. I haven’t been to Spain, but one day I’d love to go there:)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:51

      Thanks Tania and I hope you make it to Spain some day.

  19. Eha says

    June 21, 2012 at 00:42

    Having been brought up on Northern European smorgasbords, the ‘bits and pieces’ approach of Spanish tapas has always attracted me. Same idea, different flavours :) ! Fond memories of walking around Madrid’s squares from one tapa bar to another! Sangria: have drunk, have made, prefer a straight dry wine – many Spanish ones stick right to your palate!! And, oh yes, have planned many a trip right around food :D !!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:53

      Hi Eha,

      I love to eat like that so I know I’d love your Northern European smorgasbords too. Spanish wines are definitely some of the best.

  20. Vicki Bensinger says

    June 21, 2012 at 01:13

    With a menu like this who needs to go to Spain. I’ll just come to your place. Incredible looking dishes!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:53

      Haha, thanks Vicki:)

  21. Teree says

    June 21, 2012 at 01:22

    Your pics are outstanding and mouthwatering!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:53

      Thank you Teree!

  22. Catherine says

    June 21, 2012 at 04:04

    This is a beautiful and delicious post! I would love nothing more than to share this delightful meal! It just looks so refreshing and filling. Blessings to you, your friend, Catherine xo

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:54

      Hi Catherine,

      I’d love to share it with you too. Thank you sweetie:)

  23. cookingrookie says

    June 21, 2012 at 05:24

    So I came back here again, this time to pass on a bunch of food blogging awards your way, Nancy! You can pick them up here:http://cookingrookie.blogspot.ca/2012/06/cherry-clafoutis-and-blog-awards.html
    Cheers (I’ll drink your wonderful Sangria to celebrate!)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:54

      Hi Elana,

      Aw thank you:) I’ll stop by later to check them out. Cheers or rather salud!

  24. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    June 21, 2012 at 06:09

    LOVE THIS POST!! Tapas is one of my favorite choices when we go eat out, and your recipes are all awesome (I pinned them all. =D). I only wish to visit Spain one day… I studied Spanish for 2 years because I wanted to go to Spain!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 21, 2012 at 06:55

      Hi Nami,

      Thank you so much. I saw all your pins wow-thanks:) So you are set for your visit to Spain. I hope you make it over very soon.

  25. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    June 21, 2012 at 22:28

    I love the variety of a tapas style meal, you get to enjoy a little bit of everything!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 23, 2012 at 11:17

      Me too:)

  26. Reem | Simply Reem says

    June 22, 2012 at 01:06

    I have to agree… Best way to plan a trip is around the food…. Right!!!
    Tapas is such fun way to enjoy variety of lovely food….

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 23, 2012 at 11:17

      It really is, thanks Reem!

  27. anna says

    June 22, 2012 at 03:44

    you live in europe. you speak spanish. you really should go to spain for all the rest of us who can’t :) (although i do speak broken spanish!)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 23, 2012 at 11:17

      I know right;) But you too then should come for a visit.

  28. Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says

    June 22, 2012 at 14:51

    I planned to make some sangria last weekend but never got around to it. It’s just as well. It would not have been the same without all the mouthwatering tapas you put together here. I’m drooling over each one.

    I’m excited for you to go to Spain. I have been wanting to return and hope that one year it will happen. Can I be your third wheel?! :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 23, 2012 at 11:18

      Hi Jean,

      Yes, let’s meet in Spain and eat lots of tapas and drink lots of sangria:)

  29. Ramona says

    June 22, 2012 at 15:02

    Looks like perfect party fare!! I love the non-alcoholic sangria too. :) We are having a heat wave here so I would really enjoy this. :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 23, 2012 at 11:19

      Thanks Ramona. The day I made the sangria it was also really hot and humid here. It was so perfect and refreshing.

  30. Holly says

    June 22, 2012 at 17:53

    This looks so appetizing and colorful. Simple too. I might have to do a small tapas plate for dinner tomorrow.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 23, 2012 at 11:19

      Hi Holly,

      Thank you! Yes, you should;)

  31. Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says

    June 22, 2012 at 19:10

    I LOVE Spain and I miss the whole country! Barcelona and the south (Sevilla, Granada) are some of my faves places to visit! You’re so lucky to be so close to Spain! And your tapas…looking very authentic! Cheers!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 23, 2012 at 11:19

      Hi Jen,

      Thank you. It sounds like you need a trip back to Spain:)

  32. Frank says

    June 23, 2012 at 11:32

    Tapas are some of my favorite foods! We’re lucky here as we have several good tapas places where we live. Gambas al ajillo, fantastic! And I love sangría… the alcoholic kind, that is… ;=)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 24, 2012 at 09:36

      Hi Frank,

      They are also one of our favorite foods too. Glad you have great places to enjoy them at.

  33. Trix says

    June 23, 2012 at 20:26

    That’s funny – Spain is on our short list of vacation destinations as well. I know … the food! Love your tapas feast : )

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 24, 2012 at 09:36

      That is funny:) Thanks!

  34. vianney says

    June 24, 2012 at 02:40

    The sangria looks amazing, but the spicy shrimp is super tempting. We love tapas, little bites bursting with flavor. Can’t wait to see your vacation pics!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 24, 2012 at 09:37

      Thanks, I hope to share them some day soon.

  35. amelia from z tasty life says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:35

    what a lovely feast!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 27, 2012 at 15:25

      Thank you Amelia!

  36. Magic of Spice says

    July 3, 2012 at 22:02

    Oh how lovely it would be to visit Spain! And your tapas, as well as the sangria look like a perfect summer meal :)

    • Spicie Foodie says

      July 4, 2012 at 14:26

      Thanks! You should make a stop when you go visit France.

  37. crimsonflames says

    July 31, 2015 at 19:53

    It all looks beautiful and delicious but I must say the Gildas or Anchovy, Olive and Peppers is a work of art. I keep going back just to look at it!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      July 31, 2015 at 21:00

      Ah, thank you so much! :)

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