Blue and Cream Cheese Triangles with Raisin and Cream Sherry Sauce

Blue and Cream Cheese Triangles with Raisin and Cream Sherry Sauce

Triángulos de Queso Azúl y Crema con Salsa de Uvas Pasas y Pedro Ximénez
If possible, try to get Cabrales blue cheese from Spain. Its bold flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of Pedro Ximénez sherry and the raisins.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Small bowl

Ingredients

MAKES 6 TAPAS

  • 1 ounce of cream cheese
  • 1 ounce of blue cheese such as Cabrales
  • 2 teaspoons of finely chopped leek or scallion white part only, well washed and trimmed
  • 4 teaspoons of golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup of very sweet sherry such as Pedro Ximénez
  • 1 sheet of phyllo dough thawed if frozen
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, blue cheese (like Cabrales), and finely chopped leek.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the golden raisins and sherry.
  • Place it over low heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sherry becomes syrupy, and the raisins soften.
  • Cut the phyllo dough lengthwise into 16 strips, each about 3 inches wide.
  • Then, cut each strip crosswise into 4 equal strips, resulting in 16 strips measuring 4.
  • 5 x 3.
  • 5 inches.
  • Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture in a corner of each phyllo strip, and fold it up like a flag, creating a triangle shape by folding from corner to corner.
  • Seal the ends of each triangle by moistening them with water.
  • Heat at least 1/2 inch of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, or use a deep fryer set at 375°F if available, until it quickly browns a cube of bread.
  • Carefully place the prepared pastries in the hot oil and cook, turning them once, until they become lightly golden, which should take about 2 minutes.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pastries to paper towels, allowing them to drain.
  • Drizzle the pastries with the prepared raisin and sherry sauce, and serve them while they are hot.

Notes & Wine Advice

Enjoy your delicious Blue and Cream Cheese Triangles with Raisin and Cream Sherry Sauce!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Cheese / Pastry / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain
Diets; Vegetarian

Potatoes and Vegetables in Puff Pastry with Optional Glaze

Potatoes and Vegetables in Puff Pastry with Optional Glaze

Pastel de Ensaladilla Rusa
Ensaladilla Rusa is a beloved classic tapa, and it becomes even more delightful when presented within a puff pastry shell. The optional glaze adds a glossy finish to this dish.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

SERVES 6

  • 1 recipe for “Russian” Potato and Vegetable Salad
  • 3½ cups of Cooking Liquid partial recipe
  • 12 medium to large shrimp shells on
  • 1 pound of puff pastry dough either homemade or store-bought
  • Pickles thinly sliced lengthwise
  • Glaze optional
  • 1½ teaspoons of unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup of cold clarified vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Roll out the puff pastry into a 6 x 5-inch rectangle.
  • Place it on a cookie sheet that has been lightly dampened with water and prick it thoroughly with a fork all over, leaving a 1-inch border along the long edges.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, pricking the center of the dough occasionally to prevent it from puffing up.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown.
  • Allow it to cool.
  • Carefully split the pastry rounds horizontally in half, and gently hollow out the center to make room for the salad filling.
  • Fill each pastry shell with the prepared salad and arrange the reserved shrimp in rows on top of the salad.
  • Decorate the sides with pickle slices, gently pressing them into the salad to ensure they adhere.
  • Replace the top pastry round.
  • If you choose not to use the glaze, you can serve it as is.
  • If you’d like to use the glaze: In a small saucepan, soften the gelatin in 1/4 cup of the broth.
  • Then, add the remaining 3/4 cup of broth.
  • Over low heat, cook while stirring until the gelatin completely dissolves.
  • Let the mixture cool, and then refrigerate it until it thickens slightly.
  • Spoon the glaze over the top of the pastry, and refrigerate until it sets, but not until it’s extremely cold.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve the dish cool.
Enjoy your Potatoes and Vegetables in Puff Pastry with or without the optional glaze!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Pastry / Vegetables
Cuisine; European / Spain
Diets; Vegetarian

Mushroom and Shrimp Puff Pastry with Sparkling Wine Sauce

Mushroom and Shrimp Puff Pastry with Sparkling Wine Sauce

Milhojas de Setas y Gambas en Salsa de Cava
This delightful tapa combines cream sauce, puff pastry, and a delicious blend of flavors, including Serrano ham, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. The recipe is inspired by Bar Bergara in the lively Gros district of San Sebastian.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

SERVES 12 TAPAS

  • 6 ounces of puff pastry dough either homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of finely chopped shallots
  • 1/4 pound of shrimp peeled and finely chopped
  • 3.5 ounces of mushroom caps shiitake or brown, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped Serrano ham or prosciutto
  • 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1.5 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground sweet paprika Spanish smoked paprika works well
  • 2 tablespoons of dry sparkling wine such as Cava, or dry white wine
  • 6 tablespoons of heavy cream
  • 4 teaspoons of grated aged Manchego or Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly grated or ground nutmeg
  • 4 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher or sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Begin by positioning an oven rack in the uppermost position and preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
  • Using a 2½-inch round scalloped-edge cookie cutter, create 12 rounds and transfer them to a baking sheet.
  • Then, with a 1½-inch round cookie cutter, gently score a circle in the center of each round, cutting about three-quarters of the way through without completely separating the dough.
  • Bake for approximately 8 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown.
  • Afterward, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the pastries crisp up thoroughly.
  • Remove the scored circles from each round, discarding any excess pastry from the centers, and set the circles aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
  • Add the shallots and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
  • Add the chopped shrimp, mushrooms, ham, parsley, and thyme, and continue cooking and stirring until the mushrooms slightly soften.
  • Add the paprika and wine, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates.
  • Stir in the cream, cheese, a dash of nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook and stir until the mixture reaches a thick sauce consistency.
  • Fill each pastry round with the shrimp and mushroom mixture, and then top them with the reserved pastry circles.
  • Serve and savor these delightful tapas.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Fish / Pastry / Tapas / Vegetables
Cuisine; European / Spain

Piquillo Pepper and Anchovy Puff Pastry Delight

Piquillo Pepper and Anchovy Puff Pastry Delight

Anchoa y Piquillos en Hojaldre
Piquillo peppers, cultivated in the small region of Navarra in northern Spain, boast exceptional quality, a sweet and intense flavor, and they pair perfectly with anchovies in this delectable puff pastry dish.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

SERVES 6 TO 8 TAPAS

  • 6 ounces of puff pastry dough either homemade or store-bought
  • 3 piquillo peppers from a jar, thinly sliced into strips
  • 3 anchovy fillets from a jar, cut into several pieces

Instructions

  • Begin by positioning an oven rack in the uppermost position and preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Roll out the puff pastry dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
  • Using a 2½-inch round scalloped-edge cookie cutter, create 6 to 8 rounds and carefully transfer them to a baking sheet.
  • Then, with a 1½-inch round cookie cutter, gently score a circle in the center of each round, cutting about three-quarters of the way through without completely separating the dough.
  • Bake for approximately 8 minutes or until the pastry becomes beautifully golden brown.
  • Afterward, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the pastries crisp up thoroughly.
  • Remove the scored circles from each round, discarding any excess pastry from the centers, and set the circles aside.
  • To assemble your delicious tapas, place several piquillo pepper strips in each pastry shell, cover them with the anchovy pieces, and finish by topping them with the reserved pastry circles.
  • Serve and savor!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Fish / Pastry / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Mushrooms and Piquillo Peppers in Puff Pastry

Mushrooms and Piquillo Peppers in Puff Pastry

This variation of mushroom-filled puff pastries adds piquillo peppers and crushed red pepper for extra flavor and a hint of spiciness.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • medium skillet

Ingredients

Makes About 18 Delicious Tapas

Instructions

  • In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook while stirring until the onion becomes wilted and transparent, which should take about 3 minutes.
  • Add the piquillo pepper and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Then, add the chopped mushrooms, chile pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • Continue to cook and stir until the mushrooms have softened.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated cheese.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • Roll the puff pastry dough until it reaches a thickness of 1/8 inch, then cut it into 18 rounds, each approximately 1.75 inches in diameter.
  • Take 1 teaspoon of the prepared filling and place it in the center of each of 9 rounds.
  • Brush the edges of the round with water and cover with a second round.
  • Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pastries.
  • You can prepare these ahead of time and refrigerate them.
  • Place the pastries on a dampened cookie sheet and bake them for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they turn golden.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve these delightful tapas while they’re hot and enjoy the fantastic flavors.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Pastry / Vegetables
Cuisine; European / Spain
Diets; Vegetarian

Spinach and Pear in Puff Pastry

Spinach and Pear in Puff Pastry

This unusual yet delightful recipe was discovered at La Gabarra restaurant in Madrid. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised, as the combination of spinach and pears creates a fabulous blend of flavors.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 4 Delicious Servings

Instructions

  • Position your oven rack in the upper position and preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • Roll out the puff pastry dough on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of 1/8 inch, then cut it into 8 rounds, each measuring around 2. 5 inches in diameter.
  • Using a 1. 5-inch round cookie cutter, score a circle in the center of each round, but be careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Bake the pastry rounds for approximately 10 minutes or until they turn golden.
  • Remove the scored circle from each round to create a hollow space for the filling.
  • Keep the pastry warm until you’re ready to use it, or reheat it quickly before assembling.
  • While the pastry is baking, place the chopped spinach in a large saucepan, sprinkle it with a few drops of water, and add the pear.
  • Stir to combine and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Cover and cook over low heat until just tender, taking care not to let the spinach or pear become overly soggy.
  • Drain any remaining liquid.
  • Let’s prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Gradually stir in the milk and broth, continuing to stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  • Combine the sauce with the spinach mixture and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.
  • You can prepare this sauce ahead of time.
  • Fill the hollow pastry shells with the spinach and pear mixture and serve these delectable creations.
  • Enjoy!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Fruit / Pastry / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Red Bell Pepper Puff Pastries

Red Bell Pepper Puff Pastries

Hojaldre de Pimientos Morrones
This delectable combination of fresh red bell peppers and hollandaise sauce nestled in flaky puff pastry is a specialty of Raco d’en Binu, a renowned establishment located in the charming town of Argentona, once considered the culinary gem of Catalunya. Be sure to select sweet, deep red bell peppers to enhance the flavors of this exquisite tapa.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 8 delectable tapas

Instructions

  • Start by positioning your oven rack in the upper position and preheating the oven to 425°F.
  • Roll out the puff pastry dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch, then cut it into 4 rectangles measuring approximately 5 x 3 inches.
  • Brush the tops of the rectangles with the egg yolk and place them on a baking sheet that has been lightly dampened with water.
  • Bake for about 10 to 11 minutes or until they turn a delightful golden brown.
  • Allow them to cool.
  • Preheat the oven to 500°F.
  • Place the red bell peppers in a roasting pan and roast them, turning once, for around 20 minutes, or until the skin becomes bubbled and charred.
  • Once done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a deep bowl.
  • Seal the bowl tightly with foil and let the peppers sit for 15 minutes.
  • Afterward, peel, core, and deseed the peppers.
  • While the peppers are resting, prepare them: Cut 2 of the bell peppers into 8 strips measuring approximately 1 inch each and set them aside.
  • Take the remaining 2 bell peppers and place them in a food processor or blender, processing them until they form a smooth puree.
  • Pass this puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a very small saucepan.
  • Stir in a bit of water until it reaches the consistency of a thick sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring this sauce to a simmer over low heat and let it simmer for about 1 minute.
  • (This sauce can be prepared in advance.
  • )
  • Let’s move on to making the hollandaise sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice.
  • Add half of the butter to the pan and heat it over low heat while whisking constantly, ensuring the butter melts.
  • Add the remaining butter and continue to whisk until it’s completely melted and the sauce has thickened.
  • Be cautious to melt the butter and cook the eggs gently to prevent curdling.
  • If the sauce begins to separate, add a spoonful of boiling water and whisk until it regains its smooth consistency.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • Carefully split the puff pastry rectangles horizontally, resulting in two halves.
  • Create a shallow well in the center of each bottom half and fill it with the pepper sauce.
  • Top with 2 of the reserved bell pepper strips, season with salt, and add a dollop of 1 tablespoon of hollandaise sauce.
  • Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 2 minutes.
  • Cover the pastries with the reserved pastry tops and bake for an additional 2 minutes.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve these enticing tapas while they are still piping hot, relishing the harmonious blend of golden, flaky pastry, the vibrant flavors of red bell peppers, and the velvety richness of hollandaise sauce. Enjoy!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Pastry / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Chorizo Puff Pastries

Chorizo Puff Pastries

Pasteles de Chorizo
When crafting tapas enclosed in flaky pastry, the possibilities for fillings are endless. Chorizo, Spain's beloved and wonderfully spiced sausage, is a delight on its own and becomes even more delectable when baked within puff pastry
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 16 delectable tapas

  • 1/2 pound of puff pastry dough either homemade or store-bought
  • 1/4 pound 2 links of chorizo, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg yolk lightly beaten, for brushing

Instructions

  • Begin by positioning an oven rack in the upper position and preheating your oven to 450°F.
  • Roll out the puff pastry dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch and then cut it into 16 rounds, each measuring approximately 1½ inches in diameter.
  • Now, place one slice of chorizo in the center of each pastry round.
  • Brush the edge of the round with the beaten egg yolk.
  • Cover each chorizo-topped round with a second pastry round, then press the edges together firmly using a fork to create a secure seal.
  • Arrange the prepared puff pastries on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven.
  • Keep a close watch as they bake until they achieve a lovely, light brown color.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve these mouthwatering tapas while they are still hot, and relish the delightful combination of flaky, golden pastry and the bold, spiced flavors of chorizo. Enjoy!
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Pastry / Pork / Tapas
Cuisine; European / Spain

Salt Cod and Potato Delight

Salt Cod and Potato Delight

Delicias de Bacalao y Patata
In this delightful dish, the robust flavor of salt cod is complemented by the mildness of potato, enriched with garlic and enriched further with egg yolks. For the best experience, serve it with a side of alioli.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

Makes approximately 40 elegant tapas

Instructions

  • Begin by placing the salt cod in a medium bowl and covering it with cold water.
  • Seal the bowl and refrigerate it for 24 to 36 hours, changing the water occasionally, until the cod is no longer overly salty.
  • Once ready, drain it well.
  • While the cod is soaking, prepare the garlic sauce (alioli).
  • Now, place the soaked cod and quartered potatoes in a medium saucepan, covering them with cold water and a pinch of salt.
  • Seal the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat.
  • Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
  • Drain the cod and potatoes well and let them cool slightly.
  • Peel the potatoes and pass them through a ricer into a medium bowl.
  • Crumble the cod and gently fold it into the potatoes.
  • Stir in the mashed garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper, followed by the egg yolks.
  • Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for 1 hour.
  • Heat at least 1 inch of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (or for the best results, use a deep fryer set at 365°F) until a cube of bread turns a tempting golden brown in just 60 seconds.
  • Carefully drop the prepared dough by rounded tablespoons into the hot oil.
  • ry the delights, turning them several times, until they acquire a beautiful golden hue.

Notes & Wine Advice

Using a slotted spoon, transfer these delectable morsels to a paper towel-lined plate to allow any excess oil to drain.
Serve these elegant tapas while they are still hot, alongside a side of the garlic sauce (alioli), and savor the harmonious combination of salt cod and potato, enriched with the flavors of garlic and egg yolks.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Fish

Cheese-Filled Zucchini Rolls

Cheese-Filled Zucchini Rolls

Rollitos de Calabacín y Queso This simple and delicious fried tapa is perfect for any occasion. To elevate its flavor, select a soft and flavorful cheese, such as Galician tetilla.
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

  • medium saucepan

Ingredients

Makes 8 delectable tapas

Instructions

  • Begin by bringing a medium saucepan of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • Add the zucchini slices and cook until they become tender.
  • Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly.
  • Now, it’s time to assemble the rolls.
  • Take a zucchini slice and place a slice of the soft cheese (tetilla or Fontina) on top.
  • Gently roll up the zucchini slice and secure it with a toothpick to maintain its shape.
  • In two separate shallow bowls, place the lightly beaten egg in one and bread crumbs in the other.
  • Heat at least 1/2 inch of extra-virgin olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat (or for the best results, use a deep fryer set at 365°F) until a cube of bread turns a captivating golden brown in just 60 seconds.
  • Dip each zucchini and cheese roll in the beaten egg, ensuring it’s well coated, and then carefully coat it with bread crumbs.
  • Fry the rolls, turning them once, until they achieve a delightful light golden hue, approximately 2 minutes.
  • Utilize a slotted spoon to transfer these golden delights to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing any excess oil to drain.

Notes & Wine Advice

Serve these exquisite tapas while they are still hot, and savor the delightful combination of soft zucchini, creamy cheese, and a crisp, golden coating.
————————————————————————————————–
Course; Cheese / Vegetables
Cuisine; European / Spain
Diets; Vegetarian