Creating a Taste of Spain With Crock Pot Tapas
Spain is where the craze for tapas began, even if by accident. The word “tapas” is derived from the base word “tapar,” meaning “to cover.” The story goes that tapas were born when small pieces of meat or bread were placed on top of wine glasses at taverns and restaurants, and replaced each time a patron took a sip of wine. The custom kept flies out of their drinks while providing a quick snack for guests.
These tiny treats have become popular today in Spain for other reasons. Evening meals for most families in Spain come very late, allowing plenty of room for snacks between lunch and dinner, usually during conversation with friends.
Tapas, then, are small snacks that are portable yet satisfying, allowing Spaniards to mingle while they enjoy some light fare between meals. There are endless varieties of tapas possible with a little creativity. This simple idea from Spain is made even more convenient when using your crock pot to take most of the work out of making tapas. Here are just a few suggestions to start you experimenting with tapas in your spare time:
Mini Meatballs
Meatballs are a consistent crowd favorite, and mini meatballs are simple concoctions you can create in a flash, using your crock pot. Buy some frozen meatballs, add some salsa, barbeque sauce, or sweet and sour sauce. You can even make up your own meatballs for a little more versatility and freshness, including home cooking ingredients like cheese, chopped vegetables, and exotic spices.
Little Dippers
There’s something about dipping little pieces of food in something equally yummy that is a fun experience for everyone. It can become a social event in itself, courtesy of these little treats called tapas. Gathering around the crock pot, friends and family dip and talk to their heart’s content, enjoying their time together.
This is one sure way to get to know people better, by offering them a delicious dip or fondue as a quick snack that inspires conversation all by itself. You won’t run out of ideas or crock pot recipes that apply for tapas and a hearty dip anytime soon. Using your imagination is part of the fun as you create something different your guests will love.
Muscles or Clams
There's nothing quite like a big pot of muscles or clams to give your kitchen an appetizing aroma. This is one more thing your crock pot can help with. A little adjustment in broth ingredients is all that’s required, and there are lots of flavor combinations you can create to satisfy many different tastes. The crock pot cooks them perfectly, and keeps them warm for your guests while you eat.
Bite-Size Bacon Wraps
Since everybody loves bacon, what could be better than some savory tapas wrapped in bacon for your next gathering? Take some bite-sized pieces of steak, figs, pineapple, chicken, water chestnuts, or even Vienna sausages, wrap them in bacon, and stick them in the crock pot to cook. Brown the bacon on high first, then turn to low and allow your tapas to cook slowly until you and your guests are ready.
Tapas as Sandwiches
A slow cooker is also perfect for creating tender, shredded meat for tapas sandwiches. Cook a beef roast, pork loin, or chicken in your crock pot the day before a planned party. Then, pour in a can of broth and simmer for about eight hours.
When it’s done, simply cool and shred the meat, and combine in your crock pot with barbecue sauce or a jar of salsa. Mix up the meat and sauce and cook on low until your guests arrive. Pull out some dinner rolls and you’re ready to go. You’ll impress your guests with some succulent finger food that they can much on before the big meal comes along.
Bring a taste of Spain into your kitchen with the help of your crock pot. Try some tapas for a quick treat that takes little time and energy to put together, giving you more time with family and friends.
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