Are you ready for an evening of fun?
Invite some friends over at the last-minute and you can have an instant "Tapas and Tinis Party" in less than 30 minutes flat. Really! If the end of the world is supposed to happen on this Friday, then you don't want to spend needless time prepping for a party...Heck I am not even going to clean the house.
Tis the season to be jolly and Tapas and Tinis are a sure fire way to get the party going. In Spanish, a 'tapa' is a 'lid' or 'cover'. In the early days of tapas, a slice of cheese or ham was given with your drink and placed over your drink. There is some debate over why exactly this was done and nor in the ancient days do I really want to know why... However, I am so happy this little tradition started. "Tinis" is an abbreviation for a martini cocktail.
Tapas can be eaten any time of the day as long as it comes with a drink. Great news for you as I have you covered with some delicious "Tinis" or martini ideas as well to keep all of your guests (adults and kids) happy.
A tortilla Espanola also known as a Spanish omelet is a delightful blend of potatoes, eggs, cheese, chorizo and seasonings. This tasty dish can be eaten hot out of the oven or at room temperature. In addition, this little tapas is also gluten-free. Just the list of ingredients lets you know this is a teenager friendly dish.
Teenagers must have hallow legs as where do they put all of that food. Daily food shopping is something that is required here in Hong Kong as we have to rely on public transport and we have to carry everything home like Sherpas. However, when you have hungry teenagers even this is not enough. Food evaporates into thin air. If it is not nailed down, it is gone. My refrigerator and pantry were so empty that they made a loud echo with the squeak of the door due to the large hallow area inside. In scarce times like this, the tortilla Espanola is the perfect low maintenance tapas for when your refrigerator and cupboards look like Mother Hubbards.
Tortilla Espanola (Spanish Omelet)
Serves 8-10 as an appetizer or 2 hungry teenagers
- 8 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped into large cubes)
- water to boil potatoes
- 75 grams chorizo sausage chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- olive oil
- 6-8 beaten eggs (depends on size of eggs and iron skillet)
- 75 grams of grated Cheddar or Manchego cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional (roasted red peppers, jamon)
- hot sauce or red sauce (optional)
Step 1: Boil your potatoes for about 10-12 minutes or just until fork tender. Drain and set aside
Step 2: Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius or 375 F.
Step 3: In a frying pan place about a tablespoon of olive oil, chopped chorizo and chopped onion and cook about 3 minutes or until the onion caramelizes (If you wanted to add roasted red peppers or jamon or other items they would be added at this time)
Step 4: Grease your iron skillet with olive oil on the bottom and all sides (very important step). I used a paper towel to do this. (If you do not have an iron skillet ,either use a pan or plate that can go safely from the top of the stove and then into the oven)
Step 5: Place you iron skillet on the stove top and heat up on medium heat. Add cooked potatoes, spread on top cooked onions and chorizo mixture. Season beaten eggs with salt and pepper to your liking and pour on top of the potato, onion and chorizo mixture. Then finally top with shredded cheese. Cook on top of stove just until it starts to set up and then pop into the oven for another 5-8 minute or just until the egg mixture sets up and the top of the Spanish omelet is golden brown.
Step 6: Let your omelet rest for just a minute or so and run a knife around the edges of the omelet. Place a plate larger than your pan over the top of your Spanish omelet and carefully invert your pan upside down to release the omelet.
Step 6: Serve Tortilla Espanola with a delightful Tinis (recipe to follow), side of olives and an easy greens salad with rocket (arugula) in a simple vinaigrette. Enjoy a simple no fuss gathering with family and friends.
Agua de Valencia' Martinis Recipe (Adults only)
Recipe adapted from label on Smirnoff Vodka.
Serves one Adult and no kids....
- Juice of one fresh orange
- 1 shot of Gin
- 1 shot of Vodka
- Pinch of sugar (or alternative sugars such as stevia, optional)
- ice
- Cava (or Champagne,sparkling wine, Prosecco) to top it off
- garnish with oranges
Step 1: Add juice of orange, gin, vodka, few ice cubes and pinch of sugar into a martini shaker and shake well. Strain out ice and pour into a chilled martini glass.
Step 2: Top off martini with a splash of Cava (or Champagne, sparkling wine, Prosecco) and garnish with oranges. Enjoy!
Agua de Valencia' Martinis Recipe (Kid Friendly Version)
Makes 1 Virgin Martini for the kids and teenagers
- juice of 2 fresh oranges
- pinch of sugar (or alternative sugar such as stevia, honey,depends on how sweet your oranges are etc)
- ice cubes
- Sparking apple juice
- garnish of fresh orange slices
Step 1: Add orange juice, ice and a pinch of sugar into martinis shaker and shake well.
Step 2: Strain orange juice mixture into a chilled martini glass, top off with sparkling apple juice and garnish with orange slices. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- potato -
- eggs -
- chorizo -
- manchego cheese -
zestybeandog says
I love all of this! You have inspired me to have a tapas party! Yay!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Tapas and Tinis parties are so fun and easy way to host a gathering. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday. BAM
Kathleen Richardson says
Your omelet will definitely begin to fill hollow legs on teenaged boys! A tasty, simple meal for a Sunday lunch or even when guests are due.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Dear Kathleen, I hope all those potatoes fill them up. Maybe I should have doubled the recipe? What was I thinking? Have a super holiday. BAM
petit4chocolatier says
Bam, the Spanish omelet looks so delectable! Loving the adult beverage Agua de Valencia!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
How fun is the Agua de Valencia recipe especially now as oranges are in peak season! Take Care, BAM
ChgoJohn says
Buona Sera, BAM! What a picture you paint, you and your teen Sons making your way home, "like Sherpas." 🙂
This is a great idea for a party and one that wouldn't cause the host undue stress -- or maybe that's because of the "tinis". Well, they certainly wouldn't hurt!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Dear John, Oh how I long to shop in a Meijers, Target or a Costco just to stay ahead of the inventory supply requirements. I think we need to invest in a double decker grandmas cart on wheels to make those grocery hauls. When you have to carry everything it really makes you think about what you buy and its weight. Have a super week. Take care, BAM
Korena in the Kitchen says
Sounds like a great party! Everything looks delicious 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Korena. A party in a flash is always nice for the hostess. Will you be hosting family for the holidays?
Korena in the Kitchen says
We are being hosted, rather than hosting, but I'm sure there will be some impromptu get-togethers that will require a party in a flash!
Jeno says
Happy holidays Bam! I sure hope this Friday is not the end of the world, rather the beginning of a new/better era! Which means we all have to clean our house again, haha!
We love tapas, my husband loves small bites and varieties, so tapas and dim sum is really his cup of tea. Thank you for sharing!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Happy holidays to you too Jeno! Little bites are so fun to share and perfect for gatherings. However this one is so easy and that is what makes it perfect for entertaining. Take care and I bet we will both be cleaning on Saturday... LOL
Dawn says
Looks awesome! I have no idea how you can keep up with your boys without a Costco!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Dawn,
You are reading my mind! Can you please give COSTCO a ring for me and let them know about my dilemma? They have Costcos in Japan, why can't we have one in Hong Kong? Take Care, BAM
fleurdeselsf says
The tortilla looks fantastic! Would be perfect for a brunch as well! Beautiful!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a snack this little tapas is perfect. You know when you are jet lagged or working the night shift and your hungry and you do not know what kinds of foods you should be eating? This would be the perfect meal. Take care, BAM
Eha says
Tinis - not interested: sip too fast!! Tapas of all kinds at any time of day: oh yes!! And yes, methinks I'll add the jamon 🙂 !
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Eha, I think next time I will make one with roasted red peppers and jamon just for a new spin on an old favorite. Take Care this holiday season, BAM
Tandy says
I think a jug full will go down well!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Tandy, Belated Happy anniversary to you! Here is a toast to you. BAM
cravesadventure says
Perfect Combination - love it!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Happy holidays to you! Take Care, BAM
Zoe says
Will keep this fantastic recipe in my mind if I need such a great dish to serve for my party 😀
Healthy World Cuisine says
Zoe, if you need an easy dish to pass or are hosting a gathering this is perfect for these busy holidays. It can even be served at room temperature so it can be made in advance. However, I prefer it hot out of the oven. Happy holidays to you.
Arthy Suman says
Mouth-watering dishes...sure you had fun...
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you and have a super holiday. Take care, BAM
Bernice says
This all sounds wonderful and I like the idea of not cleaning the house. Lets just have a party!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Dear Bernice, I cannot guarantee that we are not have to clean on Saturday but just the thought of procrastination was quite nice. Have a super holiday week. Take care, BAM
Bernice says
ha ha. That is funny. It is always good to dream! And you too have a wonderful Christmas and New Years!
jaden's treats says
Going to try this on Christmas morning....looks delicious
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy this easy treat. Take care of your self little mama. Congratulations and wishing you a restful holiday. Take care, BAM