How many years have you eaten burgers and dogs on the fourth? This year try something new! Add a bit of Spanish flair to your July 4th BBQ with any or all of these mouth-watering Spanish dishes - Spanish potato salad, melon and Serrano ham, turron ice cream and lemon sorbet. Or, just grill some lamb chops or Spicy Spanish pork "picadillo." Be sure to make lots of cold sangria so your guests don't get parched. Most of these menu items can be made ahead, giving you more time to wave the sparklers and flag. Don't want to do all the work? Email the recipes to your friends and divide up the dishes and work!
Easy Spanish Sangria
Lisa Sierra (c) 2008 Lisa Sierra Licensed to About.com
Sangria is a great party drink for the summer – It’s easy to make, inexpensive and very refreshing. It is a good punch for a large party and by adding or subtracting 7-up, you can make it as strong or weak as you’d like.
Melon with Serrano Ham – Melon con Jamon Serrano
Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com Inc.
Salty and full of flavor, Serrano ham makes an excellent contrast with the sweet, juicy Honeydew melon. This “tapa” takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare and requires no cooking.
Grilled Lamb Chops – Chuletas de Cordero
(c) 2007 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com
Hot, juicy lamb chops rubbed with garlic and salt. In the central and north of Spain, there is nothing to equal this taste sensation. This is such an easy recipe and is quick to prepare.
Marinated Spicy Spanish Pork – Picadillo
Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com Inc.
Cubes of pork are marinated overnight in a spicy mixture of paprika, garlic and white wine. Then the pork is quickly stir-fried or grilled. "Picadillo" can be served as a "tapa" or main course. Serve on a platter with toothpicks and let your guests "pica" at the "picadillo". Substitute beef if you do not eat pork.
Spanish Potato Salad – Ensaladilla Rusa
(c) 2007 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com
Spanish potato salad is very different than the typical American version, including its name - "ensaladilla rusa" or Russian Salad. It contains roasted red peppers, tuna, olives, peas and carrots, as well as the standard potatoes and mayonnaise. Yummy!
Mixed Green Salad – Ensalada Mixta
(c) 2007 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com
"Ensalada mixta" is served on a large platter in the center of the table. This salad usually includes a mix of ingredients that Americans may find surprising, such as olives, tuna and white asparagus, as well as tomatoes and onions. Easy to prepare, it is as tasty as it is attractive.
Turron Ice Cream with Chocolate
Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com Inc.
This Turrón ice cream recipe uses both the two traditional soft and hard varieties of turrón to create a spectacular summer dessert that is truly simple to make.
