Sesame Crusted Tuna Tapas with Wasabi Mayonnaise

This is an appetizer I helped create for my daughter's Bat Mitvah reception. Although the seared tuna can be presented on a cracker or toast point, it's pretty cool to serve it on a fried wonton triangle. The triangles can be fried hours in advance, and all components prepared prior to assembling. These are great as part of a heavy hors'deouvres party or the focal point of pre-dinner noshes.

Southwestern Quesadillas

Here is a recipe for a not so basic cheese quesadilla. Although quesadillas are generally served as appetizers,with added protein and vegetables like corn, roasted zucchini or eggplant these could easily serve as a main dish accompanied by a salad or soup. The simple technique for making the quesadillas properly make them a foolproof addition to your cooking repertoire.

Tortilla Espanola

In Spain, this classic tapas is called Tortilla de Patatas. Here, of course, we reference its spanish origin. Three basic ingredients, potatoes, onions and eggs combine to create an incredibly delicious dish that is extremely versatile. Cut into wedges, this can be a side dish or first course;cut into small squares skewered with toothpicks, the tortilla can be a perfect passed hors'douevres served at a party. You could also serve this in place of hash browns with your morning eggs.

The only difficulty is turning the half-cooked pancake over. The trick is to use a plate larger than the frying pan and to wear an oven mitt while turning to prevent any stray oil from burning you. Well worth the effort and really not that hard.

Spinach Empanada

Light, flaky crust enveloping a sweet-tart spinach, raisin and anchovy filling. I have included the ingredients and directions for an authentic Tapas dough, however, Peppridge Farm puff pastry sheets work as an easy substitute and are Pareve to boot.

Spanakopeta

I once made 1000 of these at a time for the largest kosher caterer in Philly. I'd put my baby son to bed and make these until 2 in the morning when my husband was on call. That time of day guaranteed no interruptions by phone calls or diaper changing and the phyllo dough wouldn't dry out as a result.

This filling is so delicious! Not too salty and very flavorful. Go easy on the nutmeg. You should be able to slightly smell the spice but the mixture shouldn't taste like spinach egg nog!

Mediterranean Cheese Torta

One day I was perusing a holiday food catalog and saw miniature cheese tortas were being sold for $35 each! I thought that was pretty exhorbitant so i created my own lavish tortas to use for entertaining and for holiday gift giving. These were a hit and I discovered that they could be made in advance and frozen in an airtight wrapper until I needed them. Tortas are easy to make although a little time consuming. Enjoy!

Membrillo with Manchego Cheese

Appetizers don't come much easier than this. This is the classic Spanish pairing of sweet Membrillo, a thick paste made from cooked quince, and nutty Manchego cheese. Both ingredients are more available in stores for you to purchase but any thick, fruit-based gel can be used with a firm, slightly nutty cheese. Enjoy!