Monday, March 5, 2012

Krystal & Eric's Baby Shower Fiesta!

I'll never forget that day. I opened the door and there she was... in person! Although we just met, I felt as if I've known her forever. Granted, I've communicated with her for the past few years but it's such a great feeling to actually meet friends behind the computer screen and in the flesh. Who is this I speak of? Krystal of Mrs. Reguiero's Plate! I met Krystal at the FoodBuzz Festival that took place this past November in San Francisco. Ever since that fun weekend surrounded by foodies, new and long time friendships grew stronger and Krystal has been such a sweet and wonderful friend. Krystal and her husband Eric are expecting their first child in early May. To celebrate, I gathered up her favorite food bloggers to host a virtual baby shower, but this is not your typical baby shower... it's a Baby Shower Fiesta!

Instead of the usual baby shower fare, we're having a foodie fiesta in honor of the delicious cuisines that are very near and dear to both Krystal and Eric’s heart. Krystal comes from a Filipino background and if you’re familiar with Filipino culture, Filipinos love food. We’re born foodies and find any reason to celebrate and eat among friends and family. Eric comes from a Cuban background and just like Filipinos, Cubans love to party and can dish up some amazing flavors. Their little one on the way will surely be spoiled with some tasty meals from both sides of the family!


For this virtual baby shower fiesta, Krystal's favorite food bloggers prepared the following dishes inspired by Filipino and Cuban cuisines. I can only imagine how awesome it would be if we all were able to share these dishes and sit around the table to enjoy them together! But instead, here's the delicious round up of this tasty Baby Shower Fiesta... Congratulations Krystal and Eric! You're both going to be wonderful parents and I can't wait for Cookie's arrival. Enjoy...


And for those that are attending upcoming baby showers, please consider getting a cute Diaper Cake! Check out eDiapercakes for a wonderful selection of really fun and festive diaper cakes to give to expecting friends and family. Not only are they cute to fit for any baby shower theme, they are very practical gifts that will definitely be well received and used by the new parents. I know when I had my son, I loved getting a diaper cake since it was made with such useful baby essentials!

This is the perfect mocktail cocktail for a Cuban inspired party...

Carrie combines pineapple juice, apple cider, fresh fruit and ice for this fruity drink...
Mangoes are everywhere in Philippines and this is a great drink to showcase them...

I love how Cara did a little Cuban Filipino fusion in this dish...
Inspired by the Caribbean, these stuffed peppers pair perfectly with a mojito...

These lovely pillows of potato are filled with a savory filling. Mmmm...

I love how Jessy made a hummus out of a popular Cuban side dish...
These look amazing and I'm craving a taste in the worst way...
A popular treat at any Filipino gathering & common in Latin cuisines too...

 Brianna introduces us to a Cuban burger in such a delicious way...
A perfect marinade of garlic, sour oranges, lime, and minced onion for pork...
It isn't a Cuban party without this favorite side dish...

I love how Jen fused Cuban flavors into this eggs benedict...
One of my favorite dishes of all time, this is perfect any night of the week!...

Garlic, lime & cumin turn pork chops into something wonderful...
The traditional Cuban sandwich chockful of pork, ham, swiss & pickles...
A little sweet, a little savory and a whole lot of deliciousness...

A traditional dish that's memorable and worth making for someone you love...

Cookies for "Cookie"!, Krystal's nickname for her growing baby...
This is a popular Filipino dish loved by kids and anyone who adores chocolate...

Mango buttercream is a delicious way to get a taste of the tropics...
These mini versions of the traditional Tres Leches cake are adorable...
All the delicious flavors of a mojito in cake form...
These pastries combine guava and cream cheese - a popular Cuban combo!...