mmm... TAPAS... crazy little things called

SNACK! :)))

Eat little and often, claimed Alfonso X, and you will live longer! I could not agree more!

Yet another reason why I fit into the whole Spanish culture --- TAPAS! Those who know me, know that I am 'a muncher or a snacker´what I call myself.

TAPAS - they are those delicious morsels that appear magically next to you be it in a bar, or at a house party, or at an office event!

Spanish bars are, before anything else, inviting! Their sophistication lies in the ability to produce and serve an entire range of fine dishes - from soothing comfort food to exacting haute cuisine. The "local" in Spain is a bar where you can have a quick breakfast on the way to work, or a couple of drinks with friends after work on your way home.

The vast variety of tapas dishes means there is always something for everyone, and they also have a mellowing effect on all of us who enjoy alcohol :))

There are many theories as to the origin of tapas. Some say that Alfonso X (the Wise - king of Castille and Leon) invented this small yet tasty dish. The story goes that the king successfully healed his daily exhaustion with tapas and a small glass of wine, hence the saying "Eat little and often, he commanded, and you will live longer."

Another theory claims that the origin of tapas is the Spanish verb tapar - meaning, to cover. Slices of ham or cheese were used to cover the "potes" (clay wine cups), ostensibly to keep out the flies. From this, one can see that small pieces of food are ´covering´either a piece of tortilla or other pieces of food... key word is ´covering´...

Tapas come in a variety of different forms and can be anything from a handful of stuffed olives to a crisp deep-fried artichoke to a gently simmering chorizo stew!!

My favorite breakfast tapas is Flamenco Omlette and Tortilla de Espinacas!!!


Happy Monday!!