Tag Recipes Inspired by Oscar-Nominated Films

Oscar Party Menu: Recipes Inspired by The 2013 Best Picture Nominees

This Sunday, February 24th, brings the 85th Academy Awards – also known as The Oscars. Be excited.

This glamorous awards ceremony featuring iconic gold statues celebrates all things cinema. Along with the highly anticipated Red Carpet, a crucial component of any Oscar night is the assortment of extravagant after parties. But why let celebrities have all the fun? Host your own Oscar party! Whether you invite 3 friends or 300 strangers, (hey, it can happen, right?) this Oscar-worthy menu will make your bash the talk of the town. Paparazzi not invited.

These recipes can be scaled to feed a movie theater full of hungry cinephiles.
The fun part: each dish is inspired by one of the Best Picture nominees.

Amour – Go ahead, fall in love with our mini Smoked Salmon Croque Monsieur Sandwiches. You don’t need subtitles to understand that these crunchy little sandwiches are delicious! We foresee a long, happy life together.

Argo – We bet the “Canadian film crew” would’ve loved these Middle East Nachos made of Baharat Spiced Beef on Pita Chips with Tahini Sauce. You know, if they didn’t have bigger issues on their plates.

Beasts of the Southern Wild – Breakthrough actress Quvenzhané Wallis was just 5 years old during filming. Her feisty character, Hushpuppy, deserves a dish that packs a punch: Cornmeal Hushpuppies with Jalapeno Marmalade.

Django Unchained – While a Southern dish may have seemed like the clear choice here, we thought we’d mix things up with a German nod to Django’s bounty hunting partner in crime (or justice?), Dr. Schultz. Staying true to German tradition, these Sweet Pea and Mint Pancakes are best served with Smoked Salmon and Sour Cream.

Les Misérables – They probably would’ve titled this film Less Misérables had the characters been fortunate enough to stumble upon this recipe for Petites Pissaladieres: Miniature Onion and Black Olive Tartlets. YUM.

Life of Pi – While I probably wouldn’t enjoy being trapped on a tiny boat with a giant tiger, I would love to live a life of pies. Go savory with Mini Apple, Roquefort and Onion or satisfy your sweet tooth with Seasonal Fruit Potpies with Soft Whipped Cream.

Lincoln – Let’s take it back to the South with Crab and Roasted Red Pepper Beignets with Herbed Aioli. Consider these the perfect excuse to yell, “Procure me those beignets!!” You’re welcome.

Silver Linings Playbook – Don’t wake up your parents in the middle of the night. Don’t fall prey to panic attacks. Don’t become a grieving floozy. Do watch some football. Do take a dance class. Do make these deliciously saucy Philly Cheese Steak Bites.

Zero Dark Thirty – Where we found this tasty recipe for Meatballs with Coconut-Mint Chutney is Top Secret. Access classified information by saying the code words: PARSI KOFTA, or just clicking the link above.

Parties That Cook’s Oscar Party Menu: Recipes Inspired by The 2012 Oscar-Nominated Films

The big weekend is here! This Sunday, many will be glued to their TV screens, watching the 84th Academy Awards. Why not hit one out of the park (like Brad Pitt’s Moneyball character never could), and pair your Oscar party menu with each of the nominees for Best Picture?! Go ahead. Go crazy.

You don’t have to implement ALL of the recipes below. A fun option is to only make the dishes inspired by films you think could WIN. And the nominees are…

The Descendants – Bring a little of the ocean to your party with this Ahi Tuna Tartare in Toasted Wonton Cups recipe. I can hear the waves crashing already.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close – Try this deliciously simple Extreme Flavors Shrimp Lettuce Wrap.. This recipe is so easy, a kid could make it. Take your inspiration a step further and make the lettuce wraps vegan, like the main character. (Substitute mushrooms and tofu for the shrimp. The flavors will be just as extreme!)

Hugo – The boy who lives in a Parisian train station would have LOVED these Crab and Roasted Red Pepper Beignets with Herbed Aioli. Yes, this recipe is loosely based on the French beignet, but the previous statement still applies.

Moneyball – This recipe for bite-sized Polpettini: Little Meatballs Braised in Tomatoes, Garlic and White Wine is right on the money. Make these at any party, and you’ll hit one out of the park. They’ll redifine the way you think about cooking… or was it baseball?

The Tree of Life – Add some green to the menu with this light and healthy Roasted Kabocha Squash and Arugula Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts. This winter recipe is a great addition to any party menu.

War Horse – Watch out, horse! We’re stealing your oats for this Raspberry Streusel Bars recipe. Be warned, these bars are addictively good.

The Help – Instead of the infamous chocolate cake, we opted for a good ole fashioned southern staple. These crave-worthy Crispy Corn Flake and Buttermilk-Coated Fried Chicken Skewers will be a hit at any Oscar party!

Midnight in Paris – Take your cue from our Chef’s Table menu: From Paris with Love. This recipe for Parmesan and Herb Crusted Filet Mignon fits the theme beautifully.

The Artist – A black-and-white film definitely calls for a black-and-white dessert. This Fiery Mexican Mocha Pudding with Cinnamon Whipped Cream is just as good as the film it’s inspired by: AMAZING.