Sunday, August 30, 2009

Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24 - (Almost) End of Summer Cuban Feast

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.

Party Table

An interesting take on the Cubano sandwich.

Monte Cubanos

Monte Cubanos

Ham Croquettes were crispy on the outside and full of creamy ham goodness on the inside.

Croquetas de Jamon

Vaca frita with a tad healthier spin.

Vaca Frita

These black beans were so flavorful and a great accompaniment to the vaca frita.

Cuban-Style Black Beans

Cilantro Lime Rice which is better than what you get at Chipotle.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Originally I had planned on making tostones, but we decided to go the easier route of making plantain chips.

Plantain Chips

Grilled Cuban (but mostly Mexican) corn.

Cuban/Mexian Grilled 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.

Cuban Opera Cake

We're all in the background, singing.

Raul's Cake

Blowing out the candles

Blowing out candles

Having fun!

The boys

Look at those layers

Cuban Opera Cake

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!

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21 comments:

Maria said...

What a fabulous spread of food! Nice job!

The Food Librarian said...

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!

Erica said...

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 ;)

angela@spinachtiger said...

Those sandwiches took my interest right away until I saw the cake. I want a piece.

Kerstin said...

Yum, everything looks delicious, what a great party!

Kathy - Panini Happy said...

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.

Mary Bergfeld said...

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.

Alicia Foodycat said...

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.

Unknown said...

can't wait for all these recipes! looks like so much fun, and successful too :)

Evan said...

That cake look devine! Can't wait to try the recipe!

The Duo Dishes said...

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!

Diana said...

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! ;)

Esi said...

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?

vanillasugarblog said...

there are some hotties at the party!
I want that piece of corn, in the middle, with all the stuff on it! LOL!

Reeni said...

Such a delicious menu! The cake looks crazy delicious! I'm looking forward to the recipes!

daxphillips said...

Everything looks great! How long did it take you to prepare all of that food?

Esi said...

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.

Simply Life said...

Wow, that meal looks amazing! I LOVE croquettes but haven't been daring enough to try making them myself yet! Thanks for sharing!

Christina Kim said...

you are superwoman!! that menu is just perfect.

Deeba PAB said...

What a wonderful party. You worked so hard & it worked out so well! BRILLIANT!! I LOVE IT!!

Nicole said...

The cake looks delicious!