Host An Unforgettable Book Club Party

I love the flavor of the Spanish olive oil in this delicious rustic loaf. I made open faced serrano ham sandwiches with Manchego cheese on this crusty bread! Ole’!

These Spanish potatoes are hot and spicy with a tomato sauce. Cut back on the heat or amp it up a bit. Either way, these potatoes are packed with flavor. I like to use different varieties of tiny potatoes to make this dish colorful!

This Spanish open-faced sandwich is made with jamón serrano ham on a crusty bread. Jamón serrano ham is the pride of Spain. Cured for over a year and served in paper-thin slices. Top this sandwich with grated Manchego cheese, another pride of Spain, then grill under broiler to a bubbly golden brown.

Fresh peaches stewed in wine and brandy syrup is a fabulous fresh-tasting dessert with a nice little kick. Use only the fresh, firm peaches when making this dessert.

Navarra-style freshwater trout stuffed with fried Jamón serrano ham and onions, a dish Hemingway enjoyed while in Pamplona for Fiesta San Fermin.

Asparagus is low in calories and sodium and rich in potassium, phosphorus and calcium, Vitamins C, E, and K. It is also high in anti-oxidants and fiber, plus a lot of other good stuff. White asparagus is preferred in Europe, while the green variety is more popular and more readily available in North America. This steamed asparagus dish served with a simplified garlic aoili sauce is easy to make and delicious.

Gazpacho is a fabulous cold tomato soup loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs. I wish all healthy foods tasted this great!

Rice with a Latin flavor!

The Spanish Tortilla de Patatas, a potato tortilla, is prepared in a heavy skillet and can be sliced and served in wedges.

Paella is a traditional Catalan rice dish which often combines tierra y mar (land and sea). This dish is extremely versatile with land/sea and vegetable substitutions limited only by your imagination.