Discovering Culinary Delights: Cristina Ferrare’s Cookbook and Spanish Tapas Inspiration

Back in February, during an inspiring Food Blogger Camp in the picturesque landscapes of Mexico, I had the privilege of getting an exclusive sneak peek at the stunning photography captured by my dear friends, Todd and Diane of White on Rice Couple. Their incredible talent brought to life the pages of Cristina Ferrare’s new cookbook. For those unfamiliar, Cristina Ferrare is a household name in the culinary world, renowned for her charming cooking show, “Big Bowl of Love,” which captivates audiences on the Oprah Winfrey Network with its heartwarming approach to food.

Todd and Diane’s photographic contributions to the cookbook are truly exceptional. They not only captured all the mouth-watering recipe photos but also a series of beautiful “lifestyle” shots, including a lively dinner party with friends that perfectly embodies the spirit of shared meals. If you’re seeking inspiration for home cooking or entertaining, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this book. It’s more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a culinary journey. Every single recipe is accompanied by a gorgeous photo, a feature I deeply appreciate, making it easy to visualize the delicious outcome. Beyond the visuals, the recipes themselves are a testament to what I call “easy sophistication” — unfussy, approachable, yet elegantly flavorful. They empower home cooks to create impressive dishes without unnecessary complexity, transforming everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals.

My copy of Cristina Ferrare’s cookbook is already brimming with bookmarks, indicating countless recipes I’m eager to try. It promises to keep my kitchen buzzing with new flavors for months to come. Today’s featured recipe, Flank Steak with Goat Cheese on Toast, is directly inspired by the book’s philosophy of accessible gourmet dining. I had initially planned to prepare these delightful appetizers for a Spanish Tapas party hosted by my friend, Wendy. However, as often happens with gatherings among food lovers, we ended up with an incredibly generous spread of dishes. To avoid overwhelming the table, I wisely decided to keep the marinated flank steak refrigerated and prepared this exquisite dish the following day, allowing its flavors to truly develop and shine. This flexibility is a key aspect of “easy sophistication” – adapting to the moment while still delivering exceptional taste.

An Unforgettable Spanish Tapas Party

The Spanish Tapas party at Wendy’s home was an absolute feast for the senses, a vibrant celebration of food, friendship, and culture. The air was filled with delicious aromas and cheerful chatter. While my husband, Tom, was diligently prepping his own contribution to the culinary array, Wendy and her sister-in-law, Kelly, were engrossed in a Spanish cookbook in the background, carefully reading through a recipe and discussing preparations. It was a wonderful scene of collaborative cooking and shared enthusiasm, truly embodying the spirit of communal dining.

Among our fantastic company were Tom and his wife, Patty, who radiated happiness as they stood proudly next to the impressive cheese selection. They are not just friends but also the dedicated owners of the Tae Kwon Do studio where our boys, along with Scott, train. And yes, it’s true – the boys have definitely mastered a few moves that could give me a run for my money!

What you see in the photos was just the beginning – merely the appetizers! By the time dinner was officially ready, the entire dining table was groaning under the weight of an astounding array of food, mostly traditional Spanish tapas dishes. To complement our exquisite meal, we were fortunate to enjoy some truly wonderful Spanish Tapena wines, graciously provided by the winery. Tapena wines have recently garnered significant acclaim, receiving amazing reviews and prestigious awards, including the coveted Import Wine of the Year at the 2011 Monterey Wine Competition. Their rich, nuanced flavors perfectly enhanced the diverse tapestry of Spanish dishes we savored.

While the boys eagerly explored the outdoors, engaging in a bit of fishing, the gals enjoyed a more leisurely pace, gathering around the appetizer table and indulging in lively conversation, complemented by the delightful wines. It was a perfect balance of activities for everyone, creating a relaxed and joyous atmosphere.

One of the standout dishes of the evening was a surprising creation by Tom: crispy-light rice cakes generously topped with creamy Manchego cheese. I had no idea he possessed such a hidden culinary talent, and his dish was met with rave reviews! The combination of textures and flavors was simply divine.

Even young Andrew, invigorated and hungry after his fishing adventures, thoroughly enjoyed the exquisite Manchego cheese delicately wrapped with savory Jamon Serrano. It’s always a pleasure to see everyone, especially the younger guests, appreciating the fine flavors of a well-prepared meal.

As the dinner wound down, the evening took another delightful turn. For the gentlemen, and anyone else interested, the ultimate “man cave” beckoned, setting the stage for a sophisticated single malt scotch tasting. This impressive space was meticulously designed for comfort and camaraderie, complete with plush leather chairs, a selection of fine cigars, hunting trophies including impressive deer heads (Shawn, our host, goes hunting once a year), and a truly unique bull-horn chandelier that added to the rustic, yet refined, ambiance. It was the perfect setting for a connoisseur’s evening, discussing notes and aromas of various scotches.

I even encouraged Scott to document this fascinating experience by writing his first-ever blog post for Steamy Kitchen, focusing on the nuances of Scotch tasting. Initially, he was hesitant, but his reluctance quickly faded when I playfully suggested that if he established a “Scott’s Scotch Corner” on Steamy Kitchen, all his future Scotch acquisitions could be considered a legitimate “business expense.” That seemed to seal the deal! Keep an eye out for an insightful post from him soon, delving into the world of fine whiskies.

Flank Steak with Goat Cheese on Toast: A Gourmet Appetizer Recipe

This Flank Steak with Goat Cheese on Toast recipe is an ideal choice for elegant entertaining or a sophisticated snack. The star of the dish, the flank steak, is transformed through a simple yet potent marinade. We generously coat it in a flavorful blend of red chili flakes for a subtle kick, rich smoked paprika for depth and warmth, high-quality olive oil to tenderize and infuse flavor, and a perfect balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This marinade works its magic by tenderizing the meat and imparting a complex, smoky, and slightly spicy profile, making every bite incredibly succulent and aromatic.

The toppings for these delightful toasts are carefully chosen to complement the robust flavor of the steak. We use creamy, tangy goat cheese, which provides a wonderful counterpoint to the rich meat. Slices of vibrant roasted red bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. The secret ingredient that truly elevates this appetizer is a luscious balsamic fig and onion “jam” that I discovered at a local market. Its sweet, savory, and slightly acidic notes tie all the flavors together harmoniously, creating a symphony on the palate.

Should you not find a balsamic fig and onion jam, feel free to get creative! Any sweet-savory jam or chutney would be a fantastic substitute. For instance, a bright and tropical mango chutney would introduce a delightful new dimension of flavor, or a caramelized onion jam would add a savory depth. The goal is to balance the richness of the steak and cheese with a touch of sweetness and acidity, allowing for versatility in your kitchen.

Preparing the toppings is straightforward. Begin by thinly slicing the roasted red bell pepper. This ensures that each piece is delicate and doesn’t overpower the other components on the small toast. Its vibrant color and sweet, smoky flavor will shine through.

Once marinated, the flank steak is ready for the grill. Notice the visible grain running across the meat in the picture? This is crucial to observe, not the grill marks, but the direction of the muscle fibers. Grilling flank steak to a perfect medium-rare, with a beautifully seared exterior and a tender, rosy-pink interior, takes about 8-10 minutes total on a hot grill pan, turning once. The key to a tender steak, however, lies in the post-grilling process.

After grilling, it’s absolutely essential to let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result. The next critical step is to slice the steak very thinly, and most importantly, ACROSS the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak incredibly tender and easy to chew. If you slice with the grain, even a perfectly cooked flank steak can be tough.

Aim for slices as thin as possible – the thinner the slices, the more delicate and enjoyable each bite will be on your toast. This technique not only enhances the texture but also ensures that the steak pieces are perfectly portioned for an appetizer.

Once sliced, assemble your delicious toasts: spread a generous layer of creamy goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice, then artfully arrange a few thin slices of the tender flank steak. Top with a couple of roasted red bell pepper slices and a small spoonful of the fig jam. The combination of textures and flavors – the crunchy toast, creamy cheese, tender steak, sweet pepper, and tangy jam – creates a truly memorable bite-sized appetizer that will impress any guest. These gourmet tapas toasts are perfect for parties, brunches, or simply a sophisticated evening snack.

Explore More Culinary Inspirations: Other Recipes & Resources

To further enhance your culinary adventures, particularly if you’re exploring the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine or seeking delicious homemade preserves to accompany dishes like our Flank Steak on Goat Cheese Toast, here’s a curated list of complementary recipes from fellow food enthusiasts and experts:

• Fig Jam Recipe – Anh’s Food Blog (Perfect for capturing the fresh taste of figs)
• Spicy Fig Orange Microwave Jam – Simply Recipes (A quick and flavorful option with a zesty kick)
• Fig Jam Four Ways – Love and Olive Oil (Creative variations to suit any palate)

For those eager to delve deeper into the vibrant world of Spanish tapas and main courses:

• Spanish Mussels with Green Sauce – Hunter Angler Gardener Cook (A flavorful seafood starter)
• Pimientos Piquillos Rellenos de Bacalao en Salmorejo – Hedonia (Stuffed Piquillo peppers, a classic Spanish dish)
• Espinacas con Garbanzos – Spinach and Chickpeas – Smitten Kitchen (A hearty and healthy vegetable side)
• Ensaimadas – Delicious Days (Fluffy, sweet pastries from Mallorca)
• Albondigas Soup Recipe – Simply Recipes (Comforting Spanish meatball soup)
• Apartment Therapy’s 9 Classic Spanish Dishes (A comprehensive guide to essential Spanish cuisine)
• Tortas de Patatas – Smitten Kitchen (The iconic Spanish potato omelet)
• Morcilla Stuffed Squid – We Are Never Full (An adventurous and savory seafood dish)
• Sangria – Live to Eat (The quintessential Spanish wine punch for any gathering)
• Mango-Mint Gazpacho – The Perfect Pantry (A refreshing, modern take on a classic cold soup)
• Oven Baked Tortilla Espanola – The Perfect Pantry (A convenient, baked version of the beloved tortilla)

Win a Spanish Tapas Party!

Inspired by our delightful evening, I’m thrilled to announce a special giveaway! You have the chance to win everything you need to host your very own Spanish Tapas party, complete with an exquisite selection of Tapena wines. This is your opportunity to bring the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of Spain right into your home. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity – come enter the giveaway now and prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience!