Ingredients For The Perfect Oscar Party

Photo Credit: Len Neighbors

by Kathryn Durfee
02/22/2008

The perfect Oscar party. If you're like me, you've always wanted to have one but never knew where to start. All the preparation, all the stress! Well fret no more; here's how to pull off an evening worthy of a red carpet and a host of stars without wearing yourself out in the kitchen or spending hours in front of the mirror.

The setting:
Have the party at your home, where you are most comfortable. I know, I know, this means you have to clean up. Don't be afraid; just snap on those gloves and grab the Windex. Keep the CDC on speed dial for those colonies you find in the fridge or bathroom. Once you have evicted any critters, hang posters from the nominated films if you can. Decent print-outs will do. Since you presumably will be watching the ceremony, dress up a coffee table or small card table near the TV with a velvety tablecloth (red if you prefer) and small party plates and cups. Grocery stores sell nice-looking clear plastic dishes that work well for these sorts of things. Avoid the brightly-colored plates that scream "Happy 4th of July!" or "Happy Birthday!"

The attire:

If you're going to the trouble of hosting a party, take the time to pick out something nice to wear. This doesn't mean black tie (though you are more than welcome to go this route), but do wear something other than the tattered jeans you wear every Sunday. Make sure whatever you choose is comfortable enough to sit down in, since the Oscars have a history of running into the wee hours.

The drinks:

Any cocktails will work, but nothing says celebration like champagne. I'm not at all experienced when it comes to bartending, but I did find a great site that features all sorts of mixed drinks named after Hollywood starlets.

The food:

This, depending on the state of your refrigerator, can be the scariest part. I have selected recipes that don't take much time, many ingredients, or much trouble to prepare. By the time people arrive for the party, you should be out of the kitchen and ready to enjoy the show with your guests. These recipes can be mixed and matched, though some go better together than others. Hopefully there's something for everyone!

1. Hummus and Warm Pita Wedges:

This is probably the easiest recipe out of the bunch as it requires almost no work. I've tried making my own hummus, but when it comes down to it, the grocery store offers heaps of options in this department. I prefer Athenos brand, which comes in black olive, roasted red pepper, and plain, among many other flavors. Pita bread can be found in the deli section. Simply cut into wedges as if you were slicing a pizza and toast.

2. Caprese Salad:

This takes only slightly more effort than does the hummus appetizer. For this you will need a few ripe tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and crackers or slices of french bread. Simply slice the tomatoes and mozzarella and layer on top of bread. Place a basil leaf on top. The order should be (from the bottom up): bread, tomato, mozzarella, and basil, just like the colors of the Italian flag.

3. Black Bean and Corn Salsa:

If you prefer a southwestern taste for the evening, this salsa dish can replace a hummus appetizer. All you need here is a cup of salsa (jarred or fresh), 1/4 cup of black beans (drained), and 1/4 cup corn (canned or cooked). Mix and serve with chips. To make nachos, pour on a bed of chips, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 350 for 7-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

4. Cheese Platter:

It's always good to give your guests options when it comes to cheese. I usually pick out one soft, one mild, and one sharp cheese. For your platter pick three of the following: brie, camembert, gouda, goat cheese, smoked cheddar, or swiss. Serve with assorted crackers (wheat, white, water, peppered, etc.). Take the cheeses out of the fridge two hours before serving (cheese tastes best at room temperature). Garnish the plate with grapes, apples, strawberries, or pears.

5. Mini Quiches (from Real Simple):

Ok, now we're getting to the stuff that actually needs cooking.
Ingredients:
6 hard-cooked eggs
6 pre-baked puff pastry shells (found in the freezer section)
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
1/3 cup grated Fontina cheese
crumbled bacon (optional)

Directions:
Slice eggs crosswise and place one in each shell. Top with fresh sage and grated Fontina cheese. Bake at 400 until the cheese melts (about 5 minutes). Garnish each with crumbed bacon, if desired.

Yield: 6

6. Kickin' Chicken Nuggets (from Real Simple)
Ingredients:
1 6-oz bag spicy pita chips
1 cup grated parmesan
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1 egg
1 1/2 pound chicken cutlets, cut into 3-in pieces
1 cup sour cream
4 scallions, trimmed and chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400. Pulse pita chips and Parmesan in food processor until mixed. This can also be achieved by smashing the chips in a plastic bag with the bottom of a glass. In addition to not dirtying the food processor, beating the hell out of a bag of chips may relieve any pre-party jitters. Stir in parsley. In another bowl, beat egg with 1 tsp of water. Dip the chicken in egg, then roll in pita-Parm mix. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Combine sour cream and scallions in small bowl for dipping sauce.

Yield: 8 servings

7. Petit Roast Beef Sandwiches:

Ingredients:
About 3/4 pound sliced roast beef
A loaf of small sliced bread (or two baguettes) - I prefer Pepperidge Farm's "thin sliced" wheat bread
Herb Butter:
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons horseradish
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Combine all ingredients for herb butter in bowl. Spread on both sides of bread, arrange beef. Slice.

Yield: about 24, depending how you slice

8. Flatbread/Tortilla Pizzas

Ingredients:
4 flatbreads or 8-in tortillas
olive oil
1 bag mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
red peppers, sliced
onions, sliced
2 fresh tomatoes
basil leaves
tomato paste OR pasta sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Arrange pitas/tortillas on baking sheet. Spoon about a tablespoon of oil on each. Spread with tomato paste or pasta sauce. Layer with whatever you want! I usually do mozzarella with sliced onions and peppers for half of the serving, then mozzarella with tomato slices and basil for the other half. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Slice.

Yield: 4-8 servings

9. Spinach Quesadillas:

Ingredients:
8 8-in tortillas
1 cup grated gouda
1 cup fresh spinach leaves

Directions:
Heat saucepan to medium high. Place one tortilla in saucepan. When warm, sprinkle 1/4 cup of gouda and 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves. Cover with another tortilla and warm until cheese is melted (about 2 minutes).

Yield: 4 servings

The dessert:
So dinner was a hit, all of the hors d'oeuvres are gone, and the ceremony's still on! Clearly it's time for dessert. What to have? Why not celebrate this year's strangest but fastest-spreading catchphrase from There Will Be Blood: "I drink your milkshake."

1. Old Fashioned Chocolate Milkshake

For this chocolaty treat, combine 1 cup chocolate or vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 3-4 tablespoons of chocolate syrup in a blender until smooth. Pour and enjoy.

2. Classic Vanilla Milkshake
If chocolate's not your thing, combine 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons sugar in blender until smooth.

The Academy Awards will air Sunday night on ABC at 8 p.m. Enjoy!