TAPAS

"Tapa"

means "lid"

...Years ago when the men went to the taverna (pub) a slice of chorizo or salami sausage was placed like a lid on the top of the glass of wine. This is where the name originated.
...Nowdays Tapa is a snack, a mini portion, like a taster, ...served on a mini plate. Well you must have had one..they are served in every spanish bar... Anything that can be served on a mini plate is called a tapa...Some places still give you a "free" tapa when you order a drink. To name just a few typical ones...
Aceitunas....Olive
Queso......Cheese
Gambas......Prawns
Caracoles......Snails
Ensaladilla Rusa......Potato salad ( Rusa means Rusian not potato)
Magro con tomate...pork in tomato sause
Albondigas....meat balls in almond sauce
Chorizo.....spainish sausage
Jamon serrano.......spanish ham
Boquerones....cured white bait.
There are many bars that specialize in tapas....where a few tapas make a meal.

Another favorite, easy, and useful recipe is LOMO EN MANTECA