Oscar-Worthy Eats
Every successful Oscar Party host knows that the best way to reel in your guests is through food, food and (yes) more food. At my annual Oscar parties, I always find a way to put a creative spin on some of the nominated films, both national international flicks. Below are some fun and easy ideas to create a WOW table spread that will appeal to every taste bud!
Food: Nacho Bar
Film Inspiration: The Blind Side
Description: In the film, the Tuohy family owns over 87 Taco Bells! What better way to get your snack on than with a nacho bar, because who doesn’t love nachos? For our spread, we served our nachos with homemade cheese sauce, sour cream and Taco Bell salsa. For an extra décor punt, serve your chips out of a football helmet!
Food: Potato Salad Potato Skins
Film Inspiration: Precious
Description: Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniel’s favorite food is potato salad. We took the potato salad recipe from Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem and gave it a remix. Keeping the skins of our potatoes, we refilled them with our homemade potato salad. Adding a few extras like chives and bacon makes this appetizer POP!
2 1/2 pounds maine potatoes
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
8 ounces Mayonnaise — Hellmann’s Brand
1 stalk celery — finely chopped
1 medium onion — finely chopped
1 green bell pepper — cored, seeded, chop
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
1) Wash the potatoes but don’t peel them. Place the potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Heat to boiling, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are tender but not mushy, about 30 minutes. Drain them and cool.
2) Cut potatoes in half. Hollow out centers – a butter knife works well. Finely chop the potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and beat well until blended. The potato salad should be the consistency of a chunky puree. Taste it and add more cayenne, salt, or pepper if necessary.
Transfer to your hollowed out potato skins and sprinkle lightly with toppings of your choice.
Food: Peanut-Crusted Pretzel Rods
Film Inspiration: Up in the Air
Description: We gave airplane snacks a much-needed makeover. Gone are the stale bland peanuts and flavorless pretzels, welcome the new snack hero. We took pretzel rods, rolled them in organic honey and then rolled them in crushed peanuts. The taste is one part salty, one part sweet but all part delicious.
Food: English Biscuits and French Pastries
Film Inspiration: An Education
Description: Symbolizing Jenny’s decision between her education in Oxford, England and a glamorous life in Paris, the contrasting treats are too good to choose just one.
Put together a selection of cookies and pastries that you can find in the “International” aisle of most any supermarket.
Food: Chocolate-covered “Dog Bone” Cookies
Film Inspiration: Up
Description: In honor of the films funniest character, Dug the Talking Dog, we’ve created a fun and engaging snack that can appeal to any age.
Take a sugar cookie dough log. Roll out and cut (using a cookie cutter or knife) 25 “dog bones”. After following cooking directions, dip into melted chocolate and decorate with colorful sprinkles, a great way to reference the colors of the film.
