Best-Dressed Eats and Drinks: Oscar-Worthy Recipes for an Academy Awards Party
In celebration of Hollywood's biggest night of big-screen honors, the stars of your favorite movies from the past year will come together at the 85th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday night to recognize the most outstanding performances in film — and the most fashionable styles, of course. While you may not be in Los Angeles this weekend to partake in the action on the red carpet, you can celebrate top nominees with the next best thing: an Oscars viewing party at your place, complete with fellow movie-buff friends and a spread of elegant yet comforting snacks and sips. We have a crowd-pleasing menu inspired by some of the most popular films, plus classic movie munchies and sweet concessions to help you pull off an award-worthy bash with ease. Check out Food Network's favorite movie-themed recipes below, then tell us in the comments: How will you be celebrating the Oscars this weekend?
As the celebrities make their way from limousines to red-carpet interviews, raise a glass to the evening to come with Food Network Magazine's bright, refreshing Red-Carpet Cocktails made with crimson-colored pomegranate juice and toppers of gin and champagne. Let guests help themselves to a concession-stand favorite — crunchy, salty popcorn — to help recreate the moviegoing experience in your living room. Food Network Magazine's Theater-Style Buttered Popcorn (pictured above) is a must-try recipe, boasting clarified butter instead of simple melted butter so that each kernel is coated with flavor but isn't soggy or greasy.
As a nod to Life of Pi, whose main character, Pi, survived more than 200 days adrift at sea on a tiny raft by eating freshly caught seafood, prepare Food Network Magazine's Baked Tilapia With Herb Butter. A family-friendly pick that's mild in taste and easy to prepare, tilapia is an inexpensive fish that pairs well with fresh flavors, like the celery, scallions and tarragon butter with which these fillets are baked. This recipe takes just 35 minutes to make from start to finish, and since the fish is baked in throwaway aluminum foil pouches, cleanup is a cinch.
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For something a bit more casual that even young movie fans will enjoy, make Food Network Kitchens' Individual Spooky White Pizzas in honor of ParaNorman, the kid-friendly animated film about a young boy who's friends with ghosts. These quick-cooking pies feature a trio of classic Italian cheeses — ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella — plus they're made with prepared dough, so prep time is limited.
Nominated for nine Academy Awards including the Oscar for Best Picture, Les Miserables is one of the most talked-about movies of the year, an emotional film adaptation of Victor Hugo's timeless French novel. Opt for Ina's French Apple Tart for a simple yet stunning dessert that's sure to earn similar praise from your friends, thanks to its light, flaky crust and topping of tender apples and glossy apricot glaze.
Burcu Avsar, Prop Stylist: Victoria Petro Conroy
If your party lasts well into the night like the Oscars after-parties are sure to, look to sweet and savory munchies, respectively, like Hollywood Cupcakes (pictured right) and Almost-Famous Soft Pretzels served with a mayonnaise-mustard dipping sauce to satisfy midnight cravings.
Browse Food Network's Award-Winning Eats for more recipes and easy entertaining ideas.