In the McLean house, Oscar Night is a big deal and we’ve been hosting a viewing party to celebrate for years. Whether we literally roll out the red carpet for everyone we know, or just watch them with a couple of friends, there’s one tradition we never miss: the movie-themed food.
Tater tots are an easy favorite that allows bulk baking and minimal effort. For added flavor: Truffle salt!
It’s one thing to serve up a menu of food based on the nominated films–fried chicken for The Help or black & white cookies for The Artist, for example. But for us, a dish is really a winner when it has an award-worthy name as well.
We don't actually recommend horse meat, and to be honest, it's difficult to find, especially on short notice. Any kind of beef will suffice.
Every year, we take a look at every nominated film and feel certain that we will not be able to come up with anything fun or cute for our menu. And every year, we surprise ourselves with a menu of food that is as delicious as it is fun.
Any pie will do! Apple is always a favorite.
Of course, there are some dishes we make every year, which makes serving yummy food easier than finding funny names. Bacon-wrapped dates are always a big hit, as is a piping hot & gooey baked brie. Most of all, no Oscar party would be complete without a bowl of “Funch,” a punch we invented back when Will Smith was nominated for Ali, given its name by our friend Therese (“Because it’s fun! And it’s punch! It’s Funch!”).
Bacon wrapped dates. Be careful with these as they disappear in about 2-3 minutes tops, so be strategic with putting these out.
A cheese and cracker platter with some brie at the center can always class up a spread that includes tater tots and skewers.
So if you’re looking for some last-minute menu items for your party this year, please feel free to borrow some of our ideas. Or if you just want some Oscar party inspiration, here are some of our past successes!!
