It Takes Two to Tapa!

Last Saturday, we all woke up, got dressed, and went out for a family breakfast.  We went to our most favourite breakfast place in all of Barrie - the Country Kettle Restaurant on Essa Rd.   We had eggs over-easy, crispy bacon, home potatoes, and toast.  It's a small, cozy little place, where you are welcome with a hot cup of coffe and where you can always feel "at home".  It's quite special to go out for breakfast, as a family.  I know that one day, I'll look back and reminisce about all these good times, as the girls grow older (and us too).  It's always the little things!

After breakfast, we went grocery shopping.  Nuno and I decided to make Tapas for dinner, instead of cooking up one big meal. We picked up some chorizo, mussels, shrimp, baguettes, and a few other items.  If you don't know what Tapas are, they are types of snacks, or appetizers - finger food, if you will.  Tapas originated in Spain, but they aren't just Spanish appetizers anymore.  They have evolved into a whole new cuisine.  People are serving them at parties, dinners, get-togethers.  And the best part, is that they encourage conversation, laughter, and a more relaxed atmosphere.  It doesn't have to be all about the three course dinner anymore. 

Nuno and I, working together on our tapas dinner



These are teeny tiny quail eggs.  We even had a couple with double yolks!

Toasted baquette slices, brushed with x v olive oil, and topped with sliced chorizo and quail eggs

Steamed mussels and shrimp in a wine, garlic and herb sauce

On the dish in front, you can see bacon wrapped brussels sprouts with dipping sauce.  My friend, Laura, shared the recipe with me.  They were absolutely incredible!!  Thank you, Laura! I will definitely be making those again. 

Here are the tapas, served on our living room table, with chilled white wine.  We ate, while we watched some TV with the girls.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful, relaxing Saturday!

By the way, Recipe to Riches aired again last night.  Yesterday's episode was Appetizers.  The winning recipe came from a New Brunswick man, John Grass.  His recipe for bacon-wrapped, grilled chicken skewers looked very tempting and simple enough to make at home.  Nuno has to remind me that the show is geared to shoppers wanting to buy simple, fast, pop-in-your oven, grocery store products.  I laugh and agree.  I can compromise...buy them at the store, then make my own at home. 

Thanks for stopping in to read today's post.  I hope you enjoyed.   See you soon! xo