MOVIE FOOD - So anyone going to an Oscar party tomorrow? Are you supposed to bring "movie related food"? Last year we were invited to such a party and I was stumped as to what to bring. Make some chocolate to celebrate Chocolat? Trying to make anything from Babette's Feast or Big Night was completely out of my realm. Appetizers from Mermaids? Big turkey leg from Tom Jones? Something from Eat, Drink, Man, Woman, Fried Green Tomatoes, or My Dinner With Andre? Spaghetti from Lady and The Tramp? Remember, this was last year, before Ratatouille and No Reservations. This was also before I started this blog and my cooking adventure so I was looking for something simple and, well, that I really didn't have to cook.
Then it struck me. Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Spicoli. Mr. Hand. Pizza. Remember the scene? Where Spicoli has pizza delivered to himself at school during Mr. Hands class? Pizza guy walked in and asked "Who ordered the double cheese and sausage?". AHA! This is something I could do. So we ordered a double cheese and sausage and had it delivered to the party. Yum. We even printed out some photos of the movie and put them on the inside and outside of the box. Of course I don't think I'll be able to get away with something like that at the next party. I still want to make the appetizers Cher did in the Mermaids movie someday. Out of all the food scenes in movies, I'm not sure why that one sticks in my mind (did anyone even see that movie?).
OSCAR MOVIE MENUS - If you are looking for some last minute inspiration for menus check out this Epicurious site. It has movie themed menus loosely related to the movies up for Best Picture Oscar. A few of the recipes are Texas-Style Chili (No Country For Old Men), Beef Wellingtons with Gorgonzola (Atonement), Meatball Sliders (Juno), Cheesemonger's Mac and Cheese (Michael Clayton), Coffee-Marinated Bison Short Ribs (There Will Be Blood). To check out the full menus for each movie, along with recipes and tips on putting the party together go here.
JUST BAKE BREAD - And if your plans tomorrow, don't involve cooking, but sitting in front of the TV all day watching Oscar coverage, deciding who was a "fashion don't", wishing Joan Rivers was still doing the interviews cuz at least she brought comic relief, screaming at the screen because your favorite designer, actress, actor, director, movie didn't win (mine never seem to) how about spending today making some nice comforting banana bread to munch on during the day. It is National Banana Bread Day so making that treat for tomorrow would be perfect (as long as you don't eat it all today!)
OPEN THAT BOTTLE - And if you really just couldn't give a rats you know what about the Oscars tomorrow how about opening a good bottle of wine tonight. Today is Open That Bottle Night where once a year you are supposed to open that really really good bottle of wine or champagne you keep saving because it was special. Maybe it was a gift, maybe you scored it at an auction, maybe you made it yourselves. And you keep waiting for 'the right time" to drink it. Well that right time is today. They made a special day for those bottles so open them up and enjoy.
I'll take some of that Banana Bread if you are making any. That is my favorite. I prefer to sit at home and watch the Oscars. Carry over from you were young and we watched it together and maybe also the fact it was a work day the next day!
Posted by: Mom | February 23, 2008 at 05:51 PM
ah, fast times at ridgemont high. my first introduction to eric stoltz. and nicolas cage, for that matter. what a great flick, and i've gotta tell ya, your pizza idea is a stroke of genius! :)
Posted by: a. grace | February 24, 2008 at 01:40 AM
That's a great idea - the pizza. How about milkshakes for There Will Be Blood? ;-)
Posted by: Lara | February 24, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Love the pizza idea. Creativity trumps all! We're getting together with another family for a snack dinner while watching the show and making snooty comments. My plan is for 1) homemade carmel popcorn (movie theater experience), 2) Sunny D (Juno, great movie), 3) Some type of southwestern dips and chips (No Country for Old Men), and 4) mini-scones (Atonement). I know they don't go together tastewise, but I know they will fit the bill as we all graze our dinner tonight.
Posted by: Louise | February 24, 2008 at 12:24 PM
a. grace - yeah, Fast Times though when I was young was all about Phoebe Cates for the boys.
Lara - I almost put up a milkshake recipe, they are all over the net right now becaue of that movie.
Louise - I love your mixed menu for the Oscars!
Posted by: Mrs. L | March 01, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Yes, I do have fond memories of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. And the correlation with the pizza story is a fabulous idea. At that time, I wanted to be like Phoebe Cates. I thought she was the girl to be.
Posted by: Jeanette | March 02, 2008 at 04:10 PM