Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to gather friends for an evening at home to celebrate! Whether planning a casual game-watching party or an elaborate shower, tapas-style entertaining is the perfect way to please a crowd. Serve big flavor with a fun and elegant appetizer like Tapas-Style Pepper-Steak Parfaits! Ideal for times when conversation is key, appetizers make any occasion festive with a delightful array of options.

There are so many creative ways to entertain at home and as the springtime approaches, what could be better? Chef Tiffany will showcase a beautiful tapas-style beef recipe that is fun and easy. She will discuss the idea of “appetizer entertaining” as well as tips for stretching your budget, complimentary dishes and decorating the table.

Tapas Style Pepper Steak “Parfaits”

http://www.txbeef.org/recipe_book/appetizers/tapas_style_pepper_steak_parfaits

Ingredients

2 beef shoulder center steaks (ranch steaks), cut 3/4 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)

2 medium red bell peppers, cut in half lengthwise

6 slices (1/4 inch thick) baguette bread, cut diagonally about 5 inches long

1 clove garlic

Salt and ground black pepper

2 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves

1/4 cup chopped Spanish olives

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoon shaved manchego cheese

Cilantro sprigs (optional)

Marinade and Dressing

1/2 cup reduced fat prepared olive oil vinaigrette

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Combine marinade and dressing ingredients in small bowl. Place beef steaks and 1/4 cup marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours, turning occasionally. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade for dressing.

Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks and bell peppers on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill steaks, uncovered, 9 to 11 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill peppers, covered, 7 to 10 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. A few minutes before steaks are done, place bread slices on grid. Grill until lightly toasted, turning once. Cut 1 end off garlic clove; rub cut end evenly over both sides of toasted bread.

Carve steak into thin slices; season with salt and black pepper, as desired. Dice bell peppers. Place 1 bread slice upright in each of 6 (1-cup) martini glasses or straight-sided glasses. Layer with equal amounts of spinach, peppers, steak, olives, chopped cilantro and reserved dressing. Top with cheese shavings. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 184 calories; 8 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 2 g monounsaturated fat); 46 mg cholesterol; 413 mg sodium; 1 g carbohydrate; 1.5 g fiber; 17 g protein; 3.4 mg niacin; 0.5 mg vitamin B₆; 2.8 mcg vitamin B₁₂; 2.5 mg iron; 23.8 mcg selenium; 4.2 mg zinc.

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, selenium and zinc; and a good source of niacin and iron.

TIPS:

Entertaining at Home

• With spring in the air and the weather begging for entertaining at home, what better way to start than with a flavorful and hearty tapas recipe? Tapas, also known as appetizers, are extremely popular in restaurants and make an easy, elegant way to entertain at home. Perfect for times where conversation is key, tapas make any occasion festive with a delightful array of options.

• With the coldest weather a bit behind us, bring out the vibrant colors of spring with pastels or bold colors to accent your entertaining. This is the time of year for wedding and baby showers which are perfect for small plate entertaining! Remember the holidays and events we celebrate in the spring – St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness, upcoming graduation parties and more!!

• You don’t need to sacrifice time and money to earn rave reviews from your guests! Serve big flavor with tapas and get everyone to pitch in. When entertaining, have each guest bring a dish and/or beverage to compliment your main tapas recipe.

• Offer guests wine suggestions for your gathering. If you are entertaining with a Spanish flair, suggest a wine and/or red Rioja, if Italian, suggest a Malbec and Pinot Grigio. Always offer white and red suggestions and guests will appreciate your direction to help them find a reasonably priced wine that will pair well with the food!