Looking for something different to serve when friends and family gather this fall? Spanish cuisine can be incredibly easy and delicious. Executive Chef Hector Ruiz, owner of El Meson and Café Limon, says traditional Spanish cuisine appeals to most everyone. And because it uses mostly fresh ingredients, it is also a healthful way of eating.

"In Spain, people eat two big meals. The first is between 10 a.m. and noon, and the second is late - between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Between those times, they go to tapas bars," he explains. "Tapas are appetizers that are usually enjoyed with a glass of wine." Chef Ruiz will show audiences how to prepare some easy tapas recipes at noon on Saturday, November 5th during the Women's Home Expo™, to be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center (www.101expos.com). His appearance is sponsored by ¡Spain*It!.

"You can find the ingredients for most Spanish recipes at your local grocery store," adds Chef Ruiz. "A small amount of paprika, sautéed garlic and white pepper can kick up most any recipe. Other ingredients used frequently include olives, artichokes, red peppers, and sherry vinegar. Also look for majon and manchego cheeses." One of Chef Ruiz's personal favorite recipes is to fold fresh herbs into goat cheese and serve it with savory crackers. "You can use basil, rosemary or oregano," he says.

Add to your Spanish experience by serving your tapas on traditional or contemporary Spanish dinnerware. Using beautiful, colorful ceramics and glassware for the kitchen and table can give you the energy, color and feel of being in Spain. "As more Minnesotans discover the wonderful flavors and colors of Spain, Spanish ceramic tableware and handmade gifts are also becoming very popular," confirms Jeanne Gunderson, founder of Minneapolis-based ¡Spain*It!, (www.spainit.biz), a successful importer of exclusive handmade and hand-painted Spanish products for cooking and entertaining. "Spanish cuisine is festive and meant to be enjoyed with friends. Brightly colored tapas plates, and other home accessories, help to create a fun atmosphere."

For traditional Spanish paella, Chef Ruiz says to start with a blend of 75 percent canola oil and 25 percent extra virgin olive oil. Use rissoto instead of long grain rice. Then add garlic, peppers, chicken broth, diced onions, bay leaves, saffron and a lot of white pepper to bring out the flavor. To personalize your paella, add your choice of seafood such as halibut, mussels, crab claws, calamari or shrimp.

Additional recipes can be found on www.spainit.biz.

Sponsors for the 2005 Women's Home Expo™ include SimonDelivers, English Heritage, FM 107; Floors Galore and More, Channels 5 and 45, Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems, Bullfrog Spas and Wind & Water Spa Galleries. Proceeds from every paid admission to this year's Women's Home Expo™ will be donated to hurricane relief.

More information about the Women's Home Expo™ may be found at www.101expos.com or by calling the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. In addition to the Women's Home Expo™, Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. produces the Seniors Expo™, the Body Mind Life Expo™, and the Seniors Spring Show™.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7203.