Okay, I lied a bit. None of these recipes won Oscars. But, hey, all hail from right here on DietsInReview and pair perfectly for the award show.
The 86th Academy Awards air on ABC this Sunday, March 2, so you better rush to the grocery store and stockpile for the party you may or may not (but should) be having! And before you think the recipes will all be super-fattening macaroni and cheese casseroles (I mean it is gold), I am offering up some healthier alternatives for your Oscar night. After all, what would the stars do? (Hint: They would not chow down on high-cal comfort foods; at least not before.)
Let us start off right, like any good party should: with a few beverages.
A Blackberry & Basil Martini is the perfect option for the 86th Academy Awards. Fancy cocktails were prevalent in at least two of the most prominently nominated movies this year: The Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle. Besides that, what better way to feel like you are schmoozing with the rich and famous than with a drink that looks this fabulous? (And isn’t all that bad for you!) Easy to recreate a non-alcoholic version—simply substitute the vodka with some sparkling soda and use grenadine. Yum!
Another great drink option is our Talenti Frozen Sangria, which tips a hat to the Southern representation among many of the nominated movies this year. Can’t you just imagine Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts sipping on this icy sangria to escape the 90-degree heat? I sure can.
Let’s move on to appetizers now, ’cause the party is really starting.
Speaking of the South, have you ever heard of healthy Cornbread!? By using blue cornmeal, applesauce, and almond milk, we make this Vegan Blue Cornbread dish lighter and better for you. Skip the butter and dip it in natural honey instead. Or get weird and try spreading some delicious…
Holy Guacamole on it! I agree that the combination might seem strange, and I won’t tell if you sneak a pita chip or two instead. (But seriously—try it. Such a good combo of flavors and textures!) With this delicious guacamole recipe made with Greek yogurt and avocados, you will be dishing out tasty servings of protein, monounsaturated fats, and calcium.
For Oscar night main courses, let’s head somewhere international.
Try a new twist on a familiar favorite with Twice Baked Potato Shepherd’s Pie. Judi Dench is nominated for Best Actress this year, and so is Cate Blanchett (who is not English, but Australian). And even Amy Adams played a fake British person in American Hustle this year. So, British food for dinner, it is! This basic meat and vegetable pot pie is transformed when we replace the mashed potatoes with twice-baked.
Because Nebraska is nominated for Best Picture, your Oscar’s dinner shouldn’t be short on beef. In case you missed it, Nebraska (the state, not the movie) is well known for its beef. Our Jalapeno Cheddar Burger Bite Kabobs are bite-sized perfect for a party, but satisfying enough to be a main course.
Lastly, and most importantly: dessert.
We’ve chosen our Hasselback Apple Crisps for no other reason than they are fancy, golden and delicious, and you simply must have something fancy and gold at your Oscar party.
Happy Oscars, and happy eating!
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