theme alert: miami vice.

Miami may have its share of vices, but food is not one of them.

{The initial inspiration for this came from the Superbowl earlier this year. The game was in Miami, so to play up on this, I decided a Cuban/Latin theme was in order.}

This would be the perfect theme to spice up a dinner party or any other fun occasion. Particularly if you’re not near Miami – even better in that case – because then it’s truly something different than what you’re used to. Not to mention the fact that it’s finally starting to warm up in most of the country – I’m thinking this would be a fabulous way to celebrate incoming bikini season, no?

*Miami Vice* Theme Menu:

Mojitos + Assorted Latin American Beers

Empanadas

Mini Cuban Sandwiches

Croquetas

Fried Tostones

Tres Leches Cupcakes

What to do:

Mojitos are totally easy and so refreshingly delicious. They are a staple down here in South Florida, and definitely one of my favorite go-to specialty cocktails. I’ve had SO many fab varieties: coconut and blackberry versions definitely top the list.  Here is a good recipe to get you started, and I promise that I will soon dedicate a day to perfecting my very own recipe (I know, sounds terrible, right?) so that I can share it with you.

You can check out the delicious empanadas I made a few weeks ago here.

Cuban sandwiches are a key component of this menu. And because I think everything is better as a mini, that’s the way I like these. A traditional Cuban sandwich consists of thinly sliced ham and roast pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and sliced dill pickles, all on buttered Cuban bread. Just head into your local deli, grab these ingredients, cut them into miniature portions and go to town. Yum.

Croquetas (also known as croquettes) are breaded little bits of fried heaven. They are usually filled with some type of meat, fish, or veggie, but my favorites are probably the ham or cheese varieties. To make your life easier, I recommend just buying these at your local grocery store; they can usually be found in the ethnic section of the freezer. But, just in case you’re sick in the head like me and actually like making your life more difficult sometimes, this recipe looks delish.

Oh, how I love fried tostones. There are no words. Probably the Cuban food I miss most – and if you’ve never had them, you simply must try. You’ve likely had plantains, but these are the green ones, not the sweet ones – and they’re basically just sliced, crushed, fried, and salted. Here is a recipe with instructions if you dare.

And to finish it all off, the only logical route seems to be these Tres Leches Cupcakes.

Bienvenido a Miami.