Lake House Lyn: Oscar Party

I look forward to having a few friends over to watch the Oscars every year, but of course you have to begin with the Red Carpet show to see what everyone's wearing and who they are arriving with. Celebrate the moment by having your guests walk your red carpet (I found mine this week at Party City for $7.99 (it's 15 feet). Enough to feel like a VIP.

Plan to serve an easy menu. Mini deli ham and cheese sandwiches on slider buns made up ahead of time with honey mustard and an assortment of provolone, american cheddar or horseradish (my favorite) cheeses. Place in large aluminum pan, cover with foil and heat at 325 for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with a relish tray of cut up celery, carrots, grape tomatoes, ranch dressing, black and queen stuffed olives.

Simple dessert is ice cream with your choice of chocolate, Bailey's Irish Cream or Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur as a topping. Set out the bowls, spoons, and toppings. Making your own is always popular with every crowd.

I like to make a cookie platter as well which goes nicely with the ice cream. Chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin always make the cut in our house.

Will you be watching the Oscars this year?

This Sunday are the Academy Awards and I adore the Oscar show each year. Years ago I began sharing my love of the show with my family and slowly began to make a real event of the viewing, complete with a red carpet. Here are a few photos of my preparation for the Awards and a recipe or two I would like to share for a memorable evening with family and friends.

1. DIY Red Carpet by using a red plastic or cloth table runner or tablecloth.
2. Print Oscar ballots for each guest for free download from MovieFone. Don't forget pencils.
3. Pick up black and gold plates and napkins from your local party store.
4. Have a signature cocktail to offer..this year we are featuring Peach Bellini's.
5. I have purchased Oscar statue replicas to place on tables. Can be found at FancyFlours
6. Offer an easy, fun menu like appetizers and desserts.
7. Don't forget popcorn...it is a Movie Award Show after all.
8. Have your guests make an entrance on the red carpet, take pictures of them on the red carpet to present to them later as a fun remembrance.
9. Set up a bar table with glasses, waters, diet sodas, cocktail fixings, and ice for self serve.
10. Comfy seating. Find a seat and enjoy the show!

Here are a few of my offerings this year.

Bacon Wrapped Baked Dates
Hot Meatballs in a grape jelly and chili sauce
Barbecue Pork Mini Sliders Sandwiches
Cut up celery, radishes, broccoli, carrots and cherry tomatoes served in tall clear vases with Ranch Dip.
Potato Chip Swirls (recipe follows)
Sweet Potato Mashed casserole (sweet potato fries would be delicious too)
Hummus and Pub Cheese spread served with multigrain pita chips and assorted crackers
Black and White cookies
Cupcakes with silver paper for the movie "Silver Linings Playbook"
Whoopie Pies filled with whipped cream
Oscar Statue sugar cookies made with your favorite sugar cookie recipe or store bought dough
(FancyFlours.com my source for cookie cutters and cookie decor)

I found this recipe for Potato Chip Swirls on the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry website and can't wait to try it. It looks like the perfect finger food.This recipe serves 20. Prep time is 20 minutes.

Ingredients:
1 sheet Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry sheet, thawed
1/4 cheddar cheese spread, softened
3/4 crushed Kettle brand (or your favorite) potato chips
3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (I chose to use Hormel bacon bits to save time)
Recipe calls for 2 green onions, minced though I am omitting since we aren't onion fans.

Directions:
Heat the oven to 375. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet lightly to remove the fold marks. Spread the cheese on the pastry sheet to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Sprinkle with the crushed potato chips, green onions and bacon. Starting at a short side, roll up like a jelly roll. Place the pastry, seam-side down, onto a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until the pastry is firm.
Cut the pastry crosswise into 20 (1/2 inch) slices. Place the slices, cut side down, onto 2 baking sheets.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Let the pastries cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes.
Serving suggestion: serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean up.

Peach Bellinis

Chill Prosecco or Champagne ahead of time. Pour a splash of Peach Nectar into your champagne or wine flute or glass and top with champagne or prosecco. Truly festive!