When you invite friends over for dinner, the last thing you want to worry about is the price of the meal. Our Spanish-inspired menu includes a drink, a variety of hearty tapas-style bites and a dessert. The grand total for all the ingredients comes in under 30 bucks — which gives even the cheapest takeout a serious run for its, err, money.
Photography by Stephen Johnson
Grilled Peach Iced Tea
Just a single grilled peach adds a distinctive charred sweetness to this summery drink. And if guests are asking what they can bring to the party, suggest bourbon. A little bit mixed into a glass of tea makes for a pleasant cocktail.
Cucumbers are the star in this simple chilled soup, which is just as refreshing as its tomato-based cousin. Plus, this recipe makes enough for each guest to have a few shooters apiece.
This dish is a king among Spanish tapas, but it can be pricey — the potatoes are usually cooked in a vat of olive oil. But we cut down on costs (and prep time) with a genius substitute: potato chips.
Baked is definitely better (and easier) than fried for these delicate cinnamon-and-sugar pastries — and again, you avoid spending a bunch of money on frying oil. We love the sweet, summery caramel-mango dipping sauce as an alternative to the traditional chocolate sauce.
