Serrano Ham

No need to trouble yourself about presentation with these tapas-style hors d'oeuvres. Simply toss steamed mussels in a vinaigrette with piquillo peppers, toasted almonds, and serrano ham, then nestle them back into their shells. They're lovely on the plate—and easy to eat.

I first met Katy Sparks in the flesh at New York City's French Culinary Institute. We were both there to teach on a mentorship program, and since I was already wild about the food at her restaurant, Quilty's, I made a beeline for her and insisted we become friends and spend lots of time eating together. For fun, Katy and I have given several cooking classes working as a duet; she made these dates at our first class together. They are just the kind of thing I find irresistible — sweet, crunchy, juicy, spicy — you name it, they've got it. Once you have the ingredients, they're very easy to put together.

Inspired by Jamón Jamón In a desolate area of Spain, the fortunes of two families become intertwined through sex and a mutual longing for acceptance. In this 1992 black comedy, ham becomes a metaphor for life and death.

If the crowd is larger than eight, make two frittatas and keep one warm. Served in wedges, frittatas are delicious hot, warm, or at room temperature.

The smoked paprika in this recipe adds depth. Unlike Hungarian paprika powder, which is prepared by drying the chiles in the sun, the Spanish smoked version (like La Chinata brand) is prepared by roasting the peppers over smoldering oak fires before being ground to a velvety powder. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

(Amanida amb Epàrrec i Pernil) A Catalan composed salad, or amanida, may be made of almost anything, though ham, sausage, or anchovies are often included. Traditionally, the ingredients are added to the final presentation individually rather than mixed together. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

A delicious tapa that is called flamenquines in Spanish. The precise origin of the name is unknown, but it is most certainly related to the term flamenco, which refers to any colorful dish native to Andalusia.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

A blend of classic Spanish ingredients: white wine, olive oil, and Serrano ham.

Pipirrana Jaenera Pipirrana is a version of gazpacho typical of the Andalusian province of Jaén — more a salad than a soup.

Pair fancy ham, funky cheese, and juicy fruit with a black-pepper-spiked agrodolce drizzle to elevate this simple summer side.

It’s aioli-slathered toast doused in brothy butter beans, clams, and crispy ham. What else do you need to know?