Customer Reviews

Tapas (Revised): The Little Dishes of Spain

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A wonderful introduction to Spain's colorful and exciting "little dishes," this attractive cookbook provides the reader with an extensive range of tapas from many regions. The dishes described are as versatile as they are delicious, and although some are rather time-consuming, most are not complicated. A glossary of ingredients, shopping information, hints on techniques and utensils, tips for throwing your own tapas party, and carefully planned menus for a variety of occasions make this a very useful guide.

Also recommended: If you love tapas you will love mazzas, the "little dishes" of the eastern Mediterranean, a stunning selection of which is included in Sonia Uvezian's latest and greatest cookbook, "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen." This extraordinary volume should be added to every food lover's "must" list!

I've been looking for something like this for a long time. All recipe titles are displayed in English and Spanish. Ingredients and directions are displayed in English and converted over to the U.S. standards of measure. This is very helpful. If you have ever tried to convert a full recipe from metric to U.S. you know what trouble that can be. Recipes are very authentic of the Spanish Tapas I have ever had in my short 4 years of living in Madrid. Recipes are easy to follow and to understand. Includes helpful hints to make cooking and clean up a lot easer. For Example: The correct way to turn over a tortilla with out making a mess.

Tapas are always a hit with guests. For parties, I usually choose a few tapas that can be make beforehand (ie, the maninated tapas) and then serve a couple of hot tapas that require last-minute preparation. Nothing could be easier! Favorite recipes include garlic shrimp, tortilla, those delicious bite-sized meatballls and marinated shrimp. I enthusiastically recommend this book!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its sensual descriptions of ingredients and menus. Truly a taste of Spain here! I gave a chef/ friend a copy for Christmas; and for New Years' she whipped up a dreamy Tapas party that sent our whole group into the furthest reaches of epicurean bliss. Everything she served came from this book! These recipies are flawless.

If I had to weed down my cookbook library to just 5 books this would be one of them. I have been visiting, living, working & eating in Spain for some 40 years and whenever I read this book it takes me back to tapas that I have eaten & the bars I have visited. The recipes are 100% authentic and mostly easy to make - the anecdotes about the sources of the recipes fascinating.

Making and eating tapas is high art in Spain. The simple American 'appetizer' pales in comparison. I love the whole notion of hundreds of different delicious little morsels to be savored by friends with some sherry or why not even a glass of alberino... Such a wonderfully stimulating way to eat! -- Whether or not you have ever had tapas, you are certain to find several recipes to love in this mighty little volume. There are items to suit any occasion and number of guests, some can be served cold, some can be made ahead, and Penny Casas provides outlines of sample tapas party menus to follow if you find yourself too overcome with delight to be able to choose.

This book is the most authentic I've found and I will certainly buy future books by this author.

This is one of Penelopes first books and in my opinion it rates a bit higher than ok. I don't want to be too harsh as the book is 20 years old but the downside is that it is poorly assembled with all of the photos at the center of the book and brief descriptions for each dish.

Having said this there are many many recipes (about two on each of 200 pages) making this a good source of ideas and information, but if you're planning on flipping through looking for a photo of something appealing, this is not the book for you.

The book is fantastic! We have tried about half the recipes in this book and haven't found bad recipe yet. Most authentic Spanish cookbooks tend to be vague but not this one. The book provides clear instructions and a little background information on where the recipe came from. Mrs. Casas tends to go a little lite on the garlic but these recipes provide a good start from which to make your own little adjustments. My only complaint is that we have worn the book out from over use! I wish there was a sequel to this very special book.

I have been to Spain with my Girlfriend a few times. She had lived there previously. She has this in HER library. I made a few of these Tapas for her and she loved them. She thought she was back in Madrid and Sevilla. They are very easy to follow, and taste great. I am getting this copy for myself.

I am an avid cook. I have travelled to Spain, and every dish is correctly represented. I have made the Spanish omelete for Spainards who thought it was authentic.