The stakes are high on Academy Awards night in our family. From celebrities’ first steps on the red carpet to the fashion police’s critiques at the end, we fill out our ballots and hope to win the pot of gold (around $15) after the winners are announced. Although it may not be as exciting as holding a winning lottery ticket, the evening is filled with friendly competition and lots of food and drink.
I repeat: lots of food and drink. To help you set that scene for your Oscars party, try these festive recipe ideas:
“The Toast”
An Academy Awards celebration wouldn’t be the same without some bubbly on the menu (or this year, without a nod to “The Post”). Although I like my champagne straight, there are times when a splash of juice or cassis can jazz up this classic tradition. I wouldn’t add juice to a glass Dom Perignon, but if you’re working with something lower end, adding a strategic mixer can also add a few nutritional benefits. Try mixing juices and garnishes like mint, rosemary, basil and cut-up fruit, then invite your guests to think outside the glass and make their own signature cocktails.
“Dunk-irk”
Don’t save skinny dipping for the summer. Enjoy some guilt-free dunking by offering veggies to dip in Greek yogurt, plus your favorite spices, seasonings and chopped veggies. Hummus can also be a big hit at your party, and you don’t even have to start from scratch — try a store-bought hummus that comes in a variety of flavors or make plain hummus your own by adding honey, pureed veggies or dried fruit.
[See: Unusual Uses for Greek Yogurt.]
“Phantom Bread”
Many people love bread, but fear it. They think they have to give it up to be healthy, slim or trendy, but that’s far from the truth. While you may want to limit butter, sugary fillings and pastry-type breads, you should embrace whole-grain bread, cereal, whole-grain pasta, quinoa, buckwheat, sorghum or any other carb equivalent that satisfies you. In the case of a party, try
making pasta salad with whole-wheat or bean pasta, serve your dip with chips that are baked with seeds like chia and flax, or make sandwiches on whole-grain bread. Not only will these whole grains fill your guests up, they’ll also provide them with B vitamins, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
“Shape of (Sparkling) Water”
If you want to feel awake and refreshed enough to stay up and hear all of those acceptance speeches, be sure to fill up on water — sparkling or still. It’s not only in the summer when we have to think about being properly hydrated, and many of us walk around feeling tired and unfocused without realizing we might be dehydrated. And, if your party is anything like the Academy Awards after-parties, you may want to pace yourself by making every other beverage still or sparkling water. Alcohol is a diuretic, so water will help replenish losses.
[See: 9 Cooking Tricks That Will Make Everyone Think You’re a Great Chef.]
“Three Dill-boards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
If you haven’t noticed it already, pickled foods are on fire! Not only are they delicious, but they also do your body good. Fermented foods have been consumed for thousands of years in all cultures. Try adding some sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, fermented tofu, pickles and pickled items (think beets, radish, garlic and cucumbers) for some sides that are sure to make your guests salivate — and leave satisfied. Fermented foods act as natural probiotics and replenish the “good” bacteria in your gut.
“Lady Bir-ger”
Turkey burger sliders are made even healthier — and involve another movie — when you “veg out” (instead of “Get Out”). Try adding finely chopped carrots, broccoli and zucchini to your mix. Just add the veggies to a pound of ground turkey along with one egg, a half-cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons each of horseradish sauce and grainy mustard, 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. You could even add some sliced Blue Diamond almonds, since the company has long been based in Sacramento — the same city in which “Lady Bird” is set. Shape the burgers into mini patties or, better yet, spoon them into mini muffin tins and skip the need for buns. Save your carbs for the “breads” mentioned above — or the dessert mentioned below.
“Cauliflower Name”
Move over, kale. Cauliflower has moved up to superfood status and has even become the star of the show when it comes to pizza. A cauli-crust welcomes those who need to go gluten free and it provides a solid foundation for a host of ingredients for guests who just want a delicious way to add some veggies to their days. With a simple mix of riced (well-chopped) cauliflower (a package or head), 2 eggs, a half-cup of your favorite shredded cheese and seasoning (like oregano, garlic and Italian seasoning), you can make a “dough” that can be baked on a stone or in a pan (at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20 to 30 minutes) and then topped with spinach, sliced tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms or any other topping you crave. Cut it into thin slices and serve it as an appetizer or a main dish.
[See: 10 Healthy Meals You Can Make in 10 Minutes.]
“Darkest Flour”
Although a thick chocolate cake would suit this description best, why not lighten up your dessert by adding a heaping handful of dark chocolate chips to banana bread? I have a recipe that includes four ripe bananas, slivered almonds and a half-cup of dark chocolate chips. Just search my website, BetterThanDieting.com, for banana-almond bread/muffins to see the full recipe.
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8 Creative Recipe Ideas for Your Oscars Viewing Party originally appeared on usnews.com
