As I type, I'm headed to a winter wonderland for a ski weekend with a few friends. In addition, tomorrow is my birthday–license to relax, right? Well, it also happens to be Oscar weekend. So, of course, I'm hosting a little Oscar party.
It's my first Oscar party. One of my guests is the historical host. Her parties have voting ballots and creatively named (and fantastic) food. She's seen every Oscar winning film, and something like 80% of the nominees. Me? I've seen 4 movies in the past 18 months. Crap.
The menu so far? Well, I started with dessert, of course! Mini Milkshakes. I've already got the shot glasses lined up...
Keeping it casual and economical, but still creative & somewhere above grilling burgers, is the next point of business. So here's the menu I'm shopping for tomorrow:
Slumdog Sliders
needed: mini buns, ground beef, fresh onion & garlic, worcester sauce, Ponir cheese.
Mix the minced garlic into the beef along with the worcester sauce. Melt a slice of the Ponir & sautee the onions. Yum.
Benjaman's Button 'Shroom Caps
needed: Green goddess stuffed in button mushroom caps. Batter. Canola Oil.
There are a few different recipes for the green goddess dip on the internet & you can make the batter or buy tempura batter at most markets.
Veggies with Frosty Formaggio
needed: Sliced veggies. (Celery, Carrots, Bell Peppers, etc.). Gruyere, Fontina & Creme Fraiche.
Mix the cheeses together & chill. Use enough creme fraiche to make the consistency smooth and easy to dip into. Put the cheese dip bowl over a bowl of ice to keep chilled.
Read-hot Mango Salsa
needed: Roma tomatoes, yellow onions, garlic, mangos, cilantro, salt, jalapeno (or habenero if you want an extra kick)
Sautee together and chill for a day in the fridge. Don't forget the chips.
So there you have it. Tomorrow: ski, store, then pour a glass of wine and start cooking.
