Spanish Engagement Party Menu Ideas (Part 2)

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You are reading the second part of a three-segment article about planning an engagement party with a Spanish influence.

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When planning a party menu with a Spanish theme, keep in mind that the atmosphere at a Spanish party is one filled with warmth and generosity. To help you plan a culinary feast of fiesta-like proportions, choose from Spain’s most popular dishes such as:

Tapas or appetizers such as Chorizo a la Plancha (grilled pork sausage), Calamares Fritos (fried squid), Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic), and Boquerones (marinated fresh anchovy)
Serrano Ham with Manchego cheese, which is commonly served at a Spanish party
Paella Valenciana (saffron rice prepared with seafood)
Gazpacho - a cold tomato-based soup with vegetables and garlic
Estofado Catalan - slow cooked beef Catalan style

Party Tip #4: Serving tapas is a wonderful way to get the party started. When presenting your appetizers, use elegant serving pieces such as round-shaped terra cotta dishes called “cazuelas”, square tapas plates in porcelain, or hand painted ceramic plates or trays rendered in colorful artwork. For an original way to serve tapas to guests, try using mini-paella pans in steel that add a decorative and whimsical part to the table.

Serve a Variety of Desserts

It’s all about taste and variety here. Prepare a dessert buffet table serving a variety of Spanish delights that range from tasty pastries to creamy custards. You may want to try a few or all of the following suggestions:

Spanish Flan (Caramel Custard)
Churros Con Chocolate (Fried Strips of Dough Sprinkled with Sugar and Served with Dipping Chocolate)
Polvorones (Delicate Shortbread Cookies)
Montecados (Spanish Cookies)
Almond Turron (Nougat Candy with Almonds typically served during Christmas)

Party Tip #5: Since Spanish desserts may take extra time to prepare, you may want to find a local Spanish bakery (i.e., panaderia) or ethnic grocery in your hometown that specializes in a variety of Spanish treats. Alternatively, you can also order them over the web through specialty gourmet retailers. Be sure to inquire about shipping times when ordering from these retailers, since these are perishable goods.

Spanish Wine and Drinks

Finish off the details of your menu by offering a variety of refreshing Spanish drinks. Try sangria, a refreshing punch drink similar to a cocktail consisting mainly of sliced fruits mixed together with red wine. There are many varied recipes for making sangria, which make use of white wine, brandy, or cognac, while others (i.e., non-alcoholic ones) use club soda, sparkling water, or fruit juices. As for Spanish wines, the most popular choices include:

Rioja (red wines from one of the country’s top wine regions located in northern Spain)
Ribera del Duero (red wines from northeast central Spain)
Cava (Spanish sparkling wine from Penedes)

Party Tip #6: When searching for Spanish wines, you can often find them by visiting your local wine and gourmet store. Do remember to ask these retailers about any special wine recommendations they can make - this is especially practical, if your menu includes an expensive cut of beef or grilled fish. The same also applies when selecting dessert wines. Lastly, keep your guests warm and awake by serving Spanish coffee called cafe con leche (i.e., coffee made with lots of milk), or provide coffee that is flavored with Spanish rum or coffee liqueur. In addition, you can also indulge your guests by serving Spanish hot chocolate called “chocolate a la taza” - a delightful drink for a party at wintertime.

Next - click to read more about Table Decorations and Favors for your Guests

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