Spring is so close we can almost taste it… just a few more weeks until the sun comes out, the days get warmer and the trees come back to life. As we’re waiting out the cold weather, we’ve spent a lot of time coming up with ways to enjoy good food and good company indoors. Our latest obsession? Tapas night!

Tapas are small, savory plates of food that are perfect for sharing with friends and pairing with your favorite beers and wines. We’ve put together a guide for hosting your very own tapas party – complete with a menu, drink guide and decor recommendations.

The Food
With any dinner party, the food is the most important part. Tapas are especially fun because of the variety that can be enjoyed in both presentation and taste. Country style pâtés and creamy spreadable mousses are perfectly suited for the job! They are fully cooked and ready to be devoured.

Tapas Pastry Rolls with Warm Fig Preserve Dip
These warm, flaky pastries are both easy to make and fun to eat. Alexian’s Campagne recipe is rich with our signature blend of herbs and spices, and its country style texture makes it easy to slice and work with in a pastry. Combined with the sweetness of fig preserve and the nuttiness of Manchego cheese, you have a winner in this pastry.

Ingredients:
• 1 large sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1⁄3 cup fig preserve + ½ cup fig preserve (keep separated)
• 1 package of Alexian Pâté de Campagne
• 1 cup Manchego cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions:
1. Roll out the sheet of puff pastry to double its original size.
2. Spread ⅓ cup the fig preserve onto the puff pastry.
3. Bring the Campagne Pâté to room temperature and then spread evenly on top of the preserves, until you get about a ¼” layer.
4. Evenly top with grated Manchego cheese.
5. Roll each side into the middle so they meet—this will create a large “sausage”.
6. Wrap in wax paper and chill for an hour to firm up the puff pastry.
7. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
8. Slice the roll into ½” pieces and place on a baking tray covered with parchment paper.
9. Beat egg and add 1 tablespoon of water
10. Brush the mixture on top of each slice.
11. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Serve warm.
13. Warm the remaining ½ cup of fig preserve in a small saucepan over medium heat, serve as dip.

Duck Rillette with Goat Cheese on Toast
A no-cook tapas plate? Count us in. These are so easy to assemble – no one has to know you didn’t spend all day in the kitchen on them. Creamy goat cheese melds perfectly with our shredded Duck Rillette, and the peach jam brings out the best in both.

Ingredients:
• 1 package Alexian Duck Rillette
• One 8-ounce jar roasted, sliced red bell peppers, drained
• 6 ounces goat cheese
• 1/2 cup peach jam (or your choice of jam/chutney)
• 1 baguette loaf

Directions:
1. Slice the bread into thin slices, toast until light golden brown.
2. Top each toast with a thin layer of goat cheese, a spoonful of Duck Rillette, a couple of red bell pepper slices and/or small spoonful of peach jam.

Snack Plates
Not every plate has to be elaborate. Sometimes a simple plate – perfect for munching – helps fill the table and provides for ample snacking throughout the night. Here are some ideas:

Almendras al Pimentòn: The name may sound intimidating, but it translates to a “Almonds with Paprika.” You can whip up these smoked almonds in a snap with this simple recipe from our friends at Devour.
Marinated Olives: You can buy a jar that’s pre-marinated, make a marinade of your own, or follow this recipe from our friends at Dance of Saucepans.
Spanish Shrimp: Shrimp are not only an easy protein to cook, they’re easy to eat with your hands. These flavor-packed shrimp are a breeze to make, and if you have a fully stocked spice cabinet, you probably won’t have to buy anything but the shrimp.

The Drinks
What better way to catch spring fever than to enjoy seasonal spring beers?

The best seasonal beers around this time of year have floral or fruity notes, which add a delightful lightness to the bold flavors of Spanish (and French!) cooking.

Of course, a large batch of Sangria is also a crowd-pleaser. You can find a perfect red wine sangria recipe here and a delectable white wine sangria recipe here.

The key to a really wonderful Sangria is to embrace the fresh fruit and make it the star. For an authentic tapas night, we suggest using a Spanish wine.

The Details
To set the mood of your international night in, pay attention to your serving dishes. Wooden or clay serving bowls and plates are the perfect way to give an authentic Spanish-feel to the table setting. To go one step farther, look for a nice Spanish lace table runner or table cloth.

For the centerpiece, give your normal fruit bowl an adult twist. Use a large glass bowl for your Sangria(s) and let the fresh fruit and colors speak for themselves.

Finally, set the tone of the night with fun Flamenco music, and enjoy your tapas party!