Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: 24 Tapas

Before I talk about this contest I would like to thank a few people before I spend the next hour or so posting this. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my friends and family who attended last night. I worked yesterday until 3:30PM, came home, and starting cooking until 10:30 PM. I didn’t use a professional kitchen and was able to pull this off by having these people around. Whether by simply eating or helping clean dishes or just staying out of my way it was fantastic to have everyone over.
Thanks again to:

Mindy (my wife), Bob & Bonnie, Kenny & Julie, Loud Dave, Ian, Dolan, Richard, Fuzzy & Judy, Shauna & Chad. Also, my Mom and Dad who helped me brainstorm ideas over the last month.

I’m ready to do it again, seriously.

#1 Sangria Blanco de Rivera

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Click for Recipe

Clear Sangria. The best thing about this is you can refill it over and over again.

#2 Ghost Chili Marinated Olives

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The chili didn’t have enough time to infuse with the oil. That’s probably a good thing.

#3 Hummus Trio with Thyme Infused Grape Seed Oil, Ice Cream for Adults

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Merlot Red Bean, Chardonnay White Bean, and Riesling Garbanzo Hummus. I call this ice cream for adults. Thanks Sound Bites

#4 Manchego, Iberico, and Caper

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6 month old Manchego cheese, Iberico ham, and a little caper. Nice blend of flavor in this one.

#5 Sopressata, Campo De Montalban, and Olive p4250240

Sopressata (Salumi Meats)

#6 Queso Barra Esperanza, Crostini, and Pink Peppercorn

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Crush the peppercorn over the tapa with your hands before eating.

#7 Sliced Grapes In An Orange Juice Bath with Edible Flower

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Very simple and delicious. The longer you let it sit, the better it tastes. Slice the ends of grapes, pour in the juice of a freshly squeezed orange then add some edible flowers.

#8 Pulpo in Grape Seed Oil and Reduced Balsamic with Sea Salt

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Octopus!

#9 Fried Calimari

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Mmmmmmm.

#10 Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Roasted Yellow Bell Pepper

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Homerun.

#11 Bacon Weave with Queso Barra Esperanza

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In bacon we trust.

#12 Chicken, Feta and Spinach Sausage over Olive Crackers

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So amazing.

#13 Orange, Clam, and Ham

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Iberico Ham, Clam, and Juiced Orange. Assault on the senses.

#14 Rock Cod Ceviche

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This will taste better after a day in the fridge. I didn’t have the time. It was still great, in my opinion.

#15 Aranjitas

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Shredded, floured, and fried plantain.

#16 Shrimp Thyme!

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Shrimp Cooked in Grape Seed Oil and Thyme finished with Italian Sea Salt.

#17 Whiskey Mussels

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Drunk bastards.

#18 Open-Faced Three Cheese Grilled Cheese

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A combination of the the three Spanish cheeses.

#19 30 Day Aged Steak with Cabernet Sauvignon Chimichurri

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Click for recipe

I challenge anyone to a steak cook-off. Any time, any place.

#20 Spread Foie Gras on baguette with Iberico Ham

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Luxurious yet simple.

#21 Edible Flower on Rain Coast Crisp

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Mmmmm, flowers.

#22 Seared Foie Gras on Tomato and Crostini Bread

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It’s an acquired taste.

#23 Chipotle Avocado

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I wanted to eat the whole thing by myself. I had to share

#24 Chorizo + Italian Sausage Floating Meatballs over a Tomato Broth.

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When you look at it from above it looks like the meatballs are floating.

#25 Dulce De Leche Granny Smith Dessert (BONUS!)

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BONUS TAPA!!!

Thanks again to everyone involved. Also, thanks again FoodBuzz.com for sponsoring this madness.

(I’ll post links to the recipes today….I have to take my wife to a musical….lame!)

27 thoughts on “Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: 24 Tapas”

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Wow, what a spread! Fantastic food! I bet you are tired! I would be after preparing all of that!

Well done!! Those tapas look really delish. The mixture of flavors. Glad they came out. I’m definitely going to try to next month.

p.s. musicals aren’t lame!! lol.

Omnomnomnomnomnom

So many good foods!

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Wow, all 24 tapas look just fabulous! What a feast! I can’t wait to see the recipes! Great job!

Thanks!

Thanks again. It was fun.

Eric

WOW ERIC! Everything looks amazing! PS: I may have to take you up on the steak-cook off.

Seattle Steak Cook-off??? I like where this is going!!!!

Eric

All of it looks amazing, Eric. Nice work.

Thanks! It was a long Saturday but it was worth it.

Eric

I am in total awe! Honestly, after this, I don’t know that you need culinary school – they could learn a thing or two from you. We’ll have to toast you with the Sangria Blanco de Rivera!

You did all of this by yourself?? Oh man, that’s a lot. We’re lucky to work as a pair because even small dishes can take a lot of time. Everything looks amazing. What a great spread! Congrats on your 24 posting!

Thanks! I have a lot to learn but thanks for the compliment!

Eric

Thanks! Lots of people cleaning dishes and making sure I was properly hydrated with Sangria. Having great people around helped me get through the 7 hours it took to pull this off. I saw your 24 submission as well and I love it.

Eric

This looks as though it was exhausting to execute! Great job, wonderful spread! I think I might take on hosting a Tapas party sometime soon!

Thanks! It’s really fun. You don’t have to worry about 1 main aspect of the meal, like cooking a turkey. That’s why I love tapas! If you do have a party then let me know how it works out for you.

Eric

oh…my…this looks AMAZING!! I am seriously about to ruin my keyboard from all my drooling! Looks like you guys had a lot of fun – well done!

This looks great! I had been thinking about doing a tapas night but didn’t really know where to start. You’ve given me some great ideas! Awesome job with this month’s 24, 24, 24.