Preparing tapas is easier than you think
One of the things I love about tapas is that they can be as
simple or as elaborate as you want to make them. People with no cooking skills can prepare a
tapas dinner by just assembling a few ingredients together, no cooking needed.
Whereas, someone with a broad cooking experience will be able to explore and create
intricate dishes that will surprise the most exquisite palates.
Cooking Tapas is for Everyone
I also love how both men and women really enjoy preparing
tapas. Even together! Men find it simple
and relaxing to cook. Women that are detail oriented can go to town putting
together a beautiful plate. Men love the
variety of foods that they can eat in just one meal. They can even be adapted
to all diets, low fat, no carbs, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and of course
eat-it-all diets. 
You don´t have to be in Spain to enjoy good tapas
Most of the ingredients used for tapas are sold everywhere,
like potatoes, eggs, white bread, fresh vegetables, chicken or pork. Unfortunately there are some tapas products
that you can only buy in Spain, unless you want to pay 3 times the price here
in the US for a poorer quality. I’m talking about the fresh fish caught daily and
the cured meats, such as jamón serrano, chorizos, salchichones, and all that
good stuff that you can’t get here in the Midwest. However, and thanks to technology, when there’s
a will there’s a way and if you are willing to spend some bucks there are
websites that will sell you anything that you could find in any typical Spanish
kitchen.
You don´t have to spend a fortune to prepare tapas
Last time I was in a Spanish tapas restaurant in the US I
remember thinking that I was being overcharged for what I was getting. Eating “de Tapas” in Spain is a cheap way of
dinning - under $20 – and not a fancy or exclusive meal. It’s a meal to enjoy with friends while sipping
some sangría and having a good time. I
personally think that is a good thing that tapas are innovating themselves and
being served in higher cuisine restaurants, but they are also a meal that can
be cheaply prepared at home in a gathering with friends or family.
So, now that you’ve learned the basics I ask you to join me
in this adventure discovering the best tapas that can be created in the
Midwest.
Hasta pronto amigos!!