Impress Your Guests By Serving Tapas

The next time you entertain friends or family, impress them by serving tapas, a flavorful Spanish culinary tradition.

Tapas are Spanish dishes prepared using healthful ingredients and served on small plates. Your guests will love experimenting with a number of different flavors, textures and food combinations.

For easier preparation, use canned ingredients. According to a University of Massachusetts study, recipes using canned ingredients are similar in taste and nutritional value to those made with fresh or frozen items.

To make your next get-together unforgettable, the Canned Food Alliance has created the following recipe celebrating the unique flavors of Spain.

GAMBAS AL AJILLO

(Makes 8 servings)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 canned jalapeño pepper, minced

3 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

2 cans (about 6 ounces each) tiny shrimp, drained

1 tablespoon chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt to taste

8 small slices Italian bread

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add jalapeño pepper and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley, paprika and salt; heat through. Serve in the skillet with bread on the side.

By: Rodney Wright

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For more delicious and healthy recipes, visit www.mealtime.org. - NU