Las tapas son tremendas!

Oh. Em. Gee.

Last night, I was invited over to Ryan and Erin's for Spanish wine and tapas. For those of you who are not familiar with "tapas," let me give you the brief (and ever helpful) Wikipedia definition:

Tapas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtapas]) is the name of a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid). In North America and the United Kingdom, as well as in select bars in Spain, tapas has evolved into an entire, and sometimes sophisticated, cuisine. In these countries, patrons of tapas restaurants can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal. The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them.

Oh. Em. Gee. I know right?!

Two days of kitchen labor produced three incredibly delicious dishes and LET ME TELL YOU -- THEY WERE DELICIOUS!!!

I was able to muscle myself into the kitchen (wine in hand) to take some pictures to make all of you foodies out there jealous of my incredibly talented and adventurous friends.

Wine:

Erin stuffed mushrooms with breadcrumbs, goat cheese, scallions, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. These little bites melted in your mouth! The creaminess of the goat cheese combined with the bite of fresh cilantro and bell pepper tickeled my tastebuds and I went back for seconds and thirds (and fourths and fifths when their backs were turned muah ahahaha!).

She blended together serrano ham, manchego cheese (mmmmm), tossed a little salt and pepper and then breaded them with panko bread crumbs and fried them to a delicate crunch.

Lastly (but certainly not least), they made piquillo peppers stuffed with shrimp salad. Piquillo peppers are miniature bell peppers from northern Spain and they have a smoky-sweet flavor. This paired perfectly with the shrimp salad (shrimp, garlic, mayonaise (hallelujah!!!), salt and pepper, and a splash of nice medium-dry sherry) to make a yummy addition to our meal.

I have the privilege and the pleasure to be involved (maid of honor WOO HOO!!) in Ryan and Erin's wedding. She and I ended our night holed up in the study discussing wedding details (like bouquet choices, linens, and menus NOM NOM!), and it was the perfect end to a perfect Tuesday night. I suspect Ryan was in a food coma on the couch -- he LOOKED how I FELT when I walked by to get more wine! ;)

What the HECK am I going to make when they come over next for dinner at my house?! Suggestions please!!!

Happy eating foodies! <3