The Book of Tapas

By Simone and Inés Ortega

Phaidon, $40

In this beautifully designed book, Spanish food luminaries Simone and Inés Ortega offer a collection of 250 authentic recipes for tasty nibbles, plus a visual dictionary of Spanish ingredients. It’s impossible to page through without becoming desperately hungry. But mercifully, many tapas can be prepared without much ado from staple ingredients like bread, eggs, potatoes, and cured meats. From simple classics like Pan con Tomate (bread with tomato) to more ambitious Albóndigas (meatballs) and Empanadillas (little savory pastries), there are tempting options for cooks of every skill level. So choose a few, open a bottle of Spanish wine, and you’ve got a memorable meal to share with friends.