We had a party!

Actually, we didn’t have the party, our neighbors did. But, we got to participate, and that’s just as great!

Sangria and tapas.

I offered to bring dessert.
Something “tapa-ish,” bite-sized, and not too sweet.

A tapa (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtapa]), in Spanish cuisine, is an appetizer, or snack. It may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid). In select bars in Spain, tapas have evolved into an entire, sophisticated cuisine. In Spain, patrons of tapas can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal.

Can a meal really be complete without a little sweet?

Lemon Vanilla Mint Shortbread Tartelettes

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
6 oz. mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup white sugar
zest of 1 giant lemon (or 2 medium lemons)
2 Tbs. fresh mint leaves, very finely chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract
fresh blackberries
mini shortbread tartelettes OR follow this recipe to make your own shortbread and form into mini cups – a much better option, if you have the time)

In a large bowl, whip together the cheeses, sugar, zest, mint, and vanilla using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until smooth.

Fill each tart shell with a spoonful of filling. Top with a fresh berry.