At last month's Foodbuzz party, we discussed how we could make a similar event happen again. And soon. What better reason to have a party than Raul's birthday? We also decided it would be an (almost) end of summer party since the summer is quickly winding down (although the heat is just beginning to hit us). I did a few searches of some of my favorite sites and put together a Cuban inspired menu. Now before people go getting all in a tizz, this is a Cuban inspired meal. Not all of the recipes are authentically Cuban and many of them got their own Dishing Up Delights twist. It was exhausting, yet so much fun to plan this party.
The table with some of the food.
An interesting take on the Cubano sandwich.
Ham Croquettes were crispy on the outside and full of creamy ham goodness on the inside.
Vaca frita with a tad healthier spin.
These black beans were so flavorful and a great accompaniment to the vaca frita.
Cilantro Lime Rice which is better than what you get at Chipotle.
Originally I had planned on making tostones, but we decided to go the easier route of making plantain chips.
Grilled Cuban (but mostly Mexican) corn.
The piece de resistance...the Cuban Opera Cake. It's a little lopsided, but it's the best (and most successful) layered cake I have ever made.
We're all in the background, singing.
Blowing out the candles
Having fun!
Look at those layers
I had sooo much fun planning this. A million thank yous to the birthday boy for being my sous chef and letting me take over his birthday party with all the food. All the recipes will be posted over the coming week so stay tuned!
21 comments:
What a fabulous spread of food! Nice job!
Fantastic!!! Everything looks good...I just had the Chipotle rice this afternoon and was saying...I love this! If you can show me how to make it, I will be forever grateful. And that opera cake? BEAUTIFUL!
What a great party! Love seeing the pictures of everyone having a blast!!! The black beans, plantain chips, and corn sound so good to me! You make the BEST food. When am I invited over ;)
Those sandwiches took my interest right away until I saw the cake. I want a piece.
Yum, everything looks delicious, what a great party!
Fantastic job on all of that food! I love Cuban food but haven't actually made any at home before - will be looking forward to the recipes.
You must be exhausted! This was a terrific spread. Everything looks wonderful and I'm sure it all tasted as good as it looked. Kudos.
I would have eaten so much of the savoury stuff NO WAY would I have had room for that amazing cake! Can't wait to see your recipes.
can't wait for all these recipes! looks like so much fun, and successful too :)
That cake look devine! Can't wait to try the recipe!
The opera cake sounds crazy good! It would probably be smart to save the sweets for last, which is where ham croquette mouth stuffing comes in first. Nice 24 post!
I still can't believe you made all that. Really impressive spread! You want to apply again and cater my birthday? I'll take five of those layer cakes, please! ;)
Thank you everyone! This party was exhausting, but so worth it!
Mary, the rice will be up tomorrow!
Erica, let me know when you're in so cal :)
Angela, the sandwiches are great and an interesting combination.
Diana, sure, I will get started on those cakes right away! If I start today, I should be done in time for your birthday, right?
there are some hotties at the party!
I want that piece of corn, in the middle, with all the stuff on it! LOL!
Such a delicious menu! The cake looks crazy delicious! I'm looking forward to the recipes!
Everything looks great! How long did it take you to prepare all of that food?
Dax, I made most of the cake the night before and the base for the croquetas and took care of everything else the day of the party. Took about 6 hours that day.
Wow, that meal looks amazing! I LOVE croquettes but haven't been daring enough to try making them myself yet! Thanks for sharing!
you are superwoman!! that menu is just perfect.
What a wonderful party. You worked so hard & it worked out so well! BRILLIANT!! I LOVE IT!!
The cake looks delicious!
Post a Comment