Spanish Fiesta: 2-Hour Collaborative Tapas Workshop

Class Description: ¡Olé! Quick, Hands-On Spanish Entertaining

Transport yourself to the bustling, sun-drenched tavernas of Spain without leaving your kitchen! In this fun, 2-hour, hands-on class, Carmen Asteinza, The Cheese Whisperer, will demystify the art of tapas—small plates designed for socializing and savoring.

We’ll focus on maximum flavor with rapid execution. You'll join a small group to master foundational Spanish cooking techniques and simple, high-impact flavors. This collaborative format allows us to efficiently cover: fresh marinades, sizzling proteins, and two essential Spanish sauces. We’ll culminate in a beautiful tasting featuring classic Spanish cheeses. This class is perfect for home cooks who want to expand their entertaining repertoire with vibrant, authentic Spanish dishes in a limited timeframe.

The Menu: Collaborative Assembly & Big Flavor

We will master three signature savory tapas, plus learn how to curate the ultimate Spanish cheese board to cap off the meal.

The Savory Plates (Collaborative):

    •    Aceitunas Aliñadas (Marinated Olives): Learn the secret to quickly infusing olives with garlic, citrus, and herbs for a bright, irresistible bite.

    •    Espárragos Blancos (White Asparagus) with Two Sauces: We will prepare two essential Spanish sauces: a rich Romesco Sauce (nutty and peppery) and a bright Sherry Vinaigrette to perfectly dress the elegant white asparagus spears.

    •    Gambas al Ajillo (Sizzling Garlic Shrimp): Master this iconic, quick-cook tapa—plump shrimp quickly cooked in olive oil with garlic, chili, and sherry.

The Dessert Plate (Tasting & Education):

    •    Assorted Spanish Cheese Selection:Carmen will guide you through selecting and pairing Spanish cheeses (like Manchego, Cabrales, and Mahón) with classic accompaniments like honey and membrillo (quince paste) for a traditional, satisfying finish.

Class Details

    •    Duration: 2.0 hours

    •    Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

    •    Format: Hands-On, Shared Preparation (participants work in small groups)

    •    What you’ll gain: Confidence in executing rapid, authentic Spanish tapas, expert knowledge on Spanish cheese pairing, and a quick feast to share.