Tapas & Sherry Night: Go On A Spanish Culinary Journey While Sitting At Home!
This summer, forget the pricey plane tickets to Spain as we make your living room the hottest spot in town with a Sherry & Tapas night, guaranteed to make your taste buds do the cha-cha.
Setting the Scene: The Ultimate Spanish Fiesta
Step one: set the atmosphere. Think rustic charm with a touch of fiesta vibes. String up some fairy lights, throw on a Spanish guitar playlist, and maybe even break out that dusty flamenco dress for fun.
This night is all about channelling those cosy, vibrant vibes you’d find in a traditional Spanish tapas bar.
Sherry: The Sip-Sational Star
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—sherry. This magical Spanish fortified wine comes in a variety of styles, each with its own unique personality. Here’s the lowdown:
Manzanilla: Light and dry. The perfect opening act. Oloroso: Rich, complex, and oh-so-nutty. Ideal for the main course. Moscatel: Sweet, aromatic, and a little bit sinful. A dessert in itself.
Pour these beauties into small glasses—around 60 ml each. Sherry is meant to be sipped and savoured, not guzzled like a frat party punch.
Tapas Extravaganza: Bite-Sized Bliss
Now, let’s talk tapas. These bite-sized delights are made for sharing and pairing. Here are some drool worthy options to dazzle your guests’ socks off:
Gambas Pil Pil: Spicy prawns cooked in sizzling olive oil with garlic and chilli. Manzanilla’s crispness will cool the heat and bring out the shrimp’s sweetness.
Croquetas de Jamón: Creamy ham croquettes that are crispy on the outside, dreamy on the inside. Pair with Oloroso for a flavour bomb that’ll have you saying, “¡Olé!”
Pimientos de Padrón: Grilled green peppers, some sweet, some spicy—think of it as a flavour lottery. Oloroso’s richness balances the surprise heat.
Albondigas: Spanish meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce. The robust flavours need something equally bold, like an Oloroso sherry.
Boquerones: Marinated white anchovies that are tangy, salty, and utterly addictive. Manzanilla’s dry finish is the perfect match.
Sweet Endings: A Dessert Delight
Of course, we can’t forget the grand finale. Pair your Moscatel sherry with these decadent treats:
Leche Frita: Imagine fried milk squares that are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. Moscatel’s sweetness will complement this rich dessert perfectly.
Turrón: A traditional Spanish nougat with almonds. The nutty, sweet combination will make your taste buds sing.
Pro Tips for a Sherrylicious Night
Temperature: Serve Manzanilla chilled, while Oloroso and Moscatel are best slightly cooler than room temperature.
Glassware: Use small wine glasses or traditional sherry copitas to enhance the aromas and flavours.
Pacing: This isn’t a race. Take your time, enjoy each sip and bite, and savour the experience.
