23 Feb Tasty bites for an Oscar-worthy party
by Sydne George Food writer for the Great Falls Tribune
Maybe it just got lost in the mail. I’m guessing mine did. Regardless of what happened to our invitations to the 83rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, let’s not fret over not being able to attend the gala affair. It’s just another excuse to throw a party. Roll out the red carpet and throw a star-studded Oscar party at home this Sunday. Here is a party plan, scripting essential details like what to wear and what to serve your distinguished guests. Prep for your role. Doing a little homework never hurt and getting ready for your role as party host might require some brushing up on material. Up for Best Picture are “Black Swan,” “The Fighter,” “Inception,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “The King’s Speech,” “127 Hours,” “The Social Network,” “Toy Story 3,” “True Grit” and “Winter’s Bone.” Scroll through the complete list of nominees at www.oscars.org and you’ll find that in category after category, whether it be acting, directing or film editing, these same films keep popping up. While it’s a challenge seeing all the movies nominated for the Oscars, you can always cram for the evening by watching the movie trailers online.
Dress the part. You could always go black tie, but it might also be fun to dress as a famous couple Check out http://www.celebritycouples.net/ Married.aspx for inspiration. Wardrobe options run the gamut this year. Give a nod to “True Grit” by throwing on your jeans and cowboy hat. Explore your inner “Black Swan” and don a tutu and leotard. If you’re stuck, grab an oversized GAP sweatshirt, dial up “The Social Network” trailer, and you’re good to go. The possibilities are endless. The true star of the night will be you, as soon as your guests have the first bite of the awardwinning menu you’ve prepared. Making the dessert components ahead of time and setting aside a little prep time the morning of the party will set you up for Alist party prowess. Timing is everything, and the beauty of this menu is that the Mini Beef Wellingtons and the Parmesan Zucchini Fries are baked at the same temperature for about the same amount of time, minimizing your time away from your party guests. On with the show. Thes tasty fries offer a nod to “True Grit.”

3 eggs, beaten 1 cup Italian bread crumbs ½ cup Parmesan, grated ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper ¼ tsp. salt 3 medium zucchini, sliced in 4 inch-by-½-inch strips 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided Preheat oven to 425°. Pour beaten eggs in shallow dish. Combine bread crumbs, cheese, salt and pepper and pour in large plastic baggie. Dip zucchini strips in egg mixture. Remove zucchini strips from egg and put in baggie with bread crumbs. Shake to coat. Remove from baggie and place on baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for six minutes. Turn with spatula, drizzle with additional olive oil and bake an additional six minutes, or until lightly browned. Serve warm with Garlic Chili Dipping Sauce. Makes ten servings. Here’s an entree fit for “The King’s Speech.”


½ cup heavy cream ¼ cup powdered sugar ½ tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and cut into small slices Beat cream with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until combined. Spoon sweetened whipped cream into indentation of each meringue nest. Top with berry slices and serve. Makes 10. Sydne George is a food journalist specilizing in recipe development, food writing and food photography. She can be reached at sydnegeorge@hotmail.com .
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