Going out for tapas is one of the best ways to spend a Friday night in Spain. Whether you have a favorite tapas bar or you prefer to hop around, the chance to try a variety of tapas instead of only one plate is always appealing.

But tapas are not only meant to be enjoyed outside of the home. Many Spaniards invite friends and family over for tapas on a weekly basis. Is it difficult to have a tapas night? It doesn't have to be. Tapas can be as simple as some marinated olives or as complicated as Ferran Adria's creations with liquid nitrogen!

Here are five ideas for quick Spanish tapas. You can put them together in about twenty minutes, allowing you to turn any night into a get together.

Artichoke Hearts and Anchovies

This typical tapa is made with excellent quality artichoke hearts that are cut into quarters and served with a delicious Spanish anchovy on top (which most people attach to the artichoke with a toothpick).

Crackers with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

The variety of crackers in most Spanish markets is quite impressive. For this easy tapa all you need is a large, flat cracker which you can cover in cream cheese and top with a slice of smoked salmon.

Baked Goat Cheese with Honey and Almonds

This tapa requires an oven but it is still very easy to prepare. Preheat the oven to 200°C and place a large round of goat cheese in an oven proof dish. Cover the cheese with two spoonfuls of honey and top with some slivered almonds. Bake for about 10 minutes or until brown on top. Serve with some crackers or a sliced baguette.

Toast with Serrano Ham and Tomato

To make these delicious toasts all you need is a baguette, tomatoes, olive oil, and good quality Serrano ham. Cut the baguette in slices and toast for a few minutes. Drizzle the bread with some extra virgin olive oil and cover with a very thin slice of tomato and a piece of Serrano ham.

Boiled Prawns

Prawns are a very popular tapa in Spain and are very easy to make at home. Make sure to buy fresh prawns if they are available to you. To prepare them, bring a large pot filled halfway with water and a few handfuls of salt to a boil. When it is boiling add the whole prawns. In the meantime, fill a bowl with ice cubes and cold water. When the water starts to boil again (after about three minutes) remove the prawns and put them straight into the cold water. Drain the water and arrange the prawns on a platter with a sprinkle of kosher salt on top.

With these five last minute tapas anyone can host a gathering in no time. Just invite some friends and watch the tapas disappear!