I’ve written other posts about our Supper 8 group and what the purpose of it is. So I’ll just say that Friday night we had Supper 8 at our house. And since I was the hostess, I got to pick the theme of the dinner and assign courses.
I’ve been craving a Cuban dish called Ropa Vieja, which is traditionally served with yellow rice & black beans so that’s what we had. One family did the appetizers, one the salad, one the dessert and one the black beans.
Our Cuban themed Dinner
This is a great entrée for entertaining because it can be made a week in advance. Actually, it’s better if it’s made ahead of time since it improves as it sits.
Candied Kumquats
The Mojito was born in Havana, Cuba. So what better to serve. The recipe typically calls for the five customary ingredients of mint, rum, sugar, lime, and club soda. Since I had a big jar of candied kumquats that I had just made and wanted to incorporate, I found a recipe on-line for Candied Kumquat Mojitos.
Mojitos in the Making
Here are the ingredients: rum, lime, lemon, pineapple juice, simple syrup, club soda, candied kumquats &, of course, mint.
This was easy to make ahead and store in a pitcher. When someone wanted a drink, I just filled a glass with ice, garnished the drink with a stem of mint and a wedge of pineapple and poured the cocktail, topping it with some sparkling water.
They were delicious. Slightly sweet, citrus-y and minty. Most guests drank these with their dinner instead of wine.
Candied Kumquat Mojito
My contribution with the dinner was the Ropa and yellow rice. Shannon & Kev brought the black beans that are traditionally served alongside.
Spanish Salad
A green salad completed the meal.
With any party, the most important drink and the one that’s consumed the most (especially in Las Vegas) is water. I usually put water in this copper pot and ice it down.
The Most Popular Beverage
Here’s the place cards which I bought at Target and printed out at home. Then I put a flower sticker on each one because it’s Spring!
Place Cards ready-to-go
One of the tables already set for dinner. Setting the tables the night before is a great way to lighten your workload on the day of the party. And if not everything matches, nobody really cares, or notices.
Party Time
Some spring flowers to decorate the house puts everyone in a ‘party’ mood.
Party Flowers
The Ropa was rich and full of long simmered flavor, perfect with the yellow rice & black beans.
Vino y Ropa Vieja y amigos es muy bien!
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