Friday, February 24, 2012

Signature Oscar Night Party


Pomegranate Soda


In years past, I've recommended a formal Red-Carpet approach to your Oscar Night Party. This year I decided that a more casual laid back movie night kind of a setting will work just as well.

Wolfgang Puck's 2012 menu for the Oscars has been unveiled and it is Oscar worthy as usual, no pun intended. The only format that he has this year that I'm recommending is 'small plates'. There won't be a formal sit down dinner as years before but small bites of different dishes. The guest this year will be able to mingle more in lounge settings.

The movie night format that I recommend is more kid friendly. For the children's drink, a Pomegranate Soda will be a big hit. A signature drink for the adults, is a simple yet delicious Ginger Sparkler which is  made of ginger syrup and sparkling wine.


Cheese Fondue


For red-carpet munchies, I recommend flavored popcorn and cheese fondue. Flavored popcorn's are fun and delicious for any TV time. Try unique flavors like Cajun, Italian or Southwestern. Fondues of any kind is another fun activity at the event. Guests can create their own cheese fondue plates from small bite sized crudites and crusty breads.


 Edible Movie Scenes

Forest Gump Shrimp

 
 Mystic Pizza
   
Fried Green Tomato
 Here's a wonderful idea from Martha Stewart. Create an Oscar menu based on movie scenes. I absolutely love it!

From the movie Forest Gump, do you remember this scene (one of my favorites) when Bubba repeats this line that seems to go on forever when he reminds of all the ways to cook shrimp? Barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo, pan-fried shrimp, stir-fried shrimp and on and on. Well, prepare a shrimp dish just the way you like it to serve to your guests.

Another old favorite movie is Mystic Pizza. Prepare a pizza for you and your guests with all your favorite toppings. Come up with your own delicious recipe and have your guests to guess the ingredients.

How can we forget Fried Green Tomatoes. It is an all time movie favorite, especially among women. Serve up a good batch of these and your guests will be signing your praises.


When Harry Met Sally Apple Pie

Let's end the meal with a yummy Apple Pie. In the movie When Harry Met Sally, Sally Albright (Meg Ryan's character) said these words;" I'd like the chef's salad, please, with the oil and vinegar on the side and the apple pie a la mode. But I'd like the pie heated, and I don't want the ice cream on top. I want it on the side. And I'd like strawberry instead of vanilla if you have it. If not, then no ice cream -- just whipped cream, but only if it's real. If it's out of a can, then nothing."

You may not be in any of these movie scenes but you can prepare your own award winning recipes. Get your invitation list together and enjoy your night at the Oscars!

All Photos from MarthaStewart.com