Cuban Infusion Super Bowl Party Feast
Since the Big Game unfolds in Miami, why not play off that Cuban Infusion vibe and center part of your food fixin’s around that theme?
I had the chance to talk with Chef Rolando Gonzalez and was inspired. He is a VERY sweet man who happens to be Jennifer Lopez’s ( aka J.Lo’s) former executive chef, even cooked for her wedding with Marc Anthony. He shared several of his Cuban cooking secrets with me here.
First, since Cuban food is a rich historic blend of Spanish and African flavors, Chef Rolando suggests you start with these spices to make the magical marinade for all meats and veggies for that Cuban flavor. Mix the dry spices in a jar and have handy to add with fresh ingredients for your next meal!
The Essential Cuban Flavor Spices or Mojo Marinade:
(Great for all meats –Pork, Beef and Chicken)
Olive Oil
Orange
Lime
Garlic
Cumin
Oregano
Onion
Plus : Green Peppers, Tomatoes
Note there are pre-made Mojo Marinades you can buy in the store!
The Mojito:
12 Fresh Mint Fresh Leaves –REALLY Smash it up!
1-2 teaspoon of BROWN Sugar ( Chef Rolando’s Secret!)
2 oz Bacardi Rum
3 T fresh lime juice
Splash of Club Soda
Shake in martini shaker
In a tall thin glass, crush the mint with a fork to coat the inside. Add the brown sugar and lime juice and stir thoroughly. Mix in shaker with rum, then serve over ice. Top off with *chilled* club soda (or seltzer). Add a lime slice and the remaining mint, and serve.
Tip: When ordering at a restaurant you may want to ask for the simple syrup on the side this way you can add to taste to avoid it being too sweet.
Cuban Sandwich Secret:
Cuban Bread ( or French bread – but not a baguette)
Roasted Pork seasoned with spices above – and sliced)
Ham Sliced
Swiss Cheese
Sliced Dill Pickles
Yellow Mustard or Spicy if preferred
NO Mayonnaise
Layer the sandwich and then cook in a panini or on a hot griddle (fry pan) sprayed or lightly greased. Flatten the sandwich to one third its size. Grill the sandwiches for two to three minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden Slice the sandwich in half diagonally and serve.
PARTY TIP: Try serving these as “mini” sandwiches for a group!
Ropa Vieja – Shredded Beef:
Flank Steak
Slow cook in crock pot- shred it
Make marinade with basics above
Sauté’
*Serve with Black Beans and Rice combined –Congri
Great Appetizer –Tostones -Plantain Chips:
Tip – choose VERY green plantain.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium plantains, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch diagonal slices (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the plantain slices; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Sprinkle salt and pepper over chips.
Dip in salsa
Happy Partying!
Cindy
cindy@cindydole.com
PS Chef Rolando served Lobster and Ribs at J. Lo’s wedding! Can’t imagine how I’d eat ribs in a wedding dress but you go J Lo!