83rd Annual Academy Awards

We decided to forgo dinner for appetizers while we watched the 
Oscars this year.  I love to make an evening out of it and dress up 
and have a glass of my favorite chardonnay.  Jim even made me 
little Oscar statues and a Hollywood sign to make it feel more festive.

The kids love when we have snack night.  This one was a tad fancier 
than our normal snack night but hey............it's the Academy Awards, 
right?

Jim even made me a sign to show our menu.  Isn't he sweet!

This appy was the favorite of the night.  I sometimes like to serve 
this as a light dinner with the sauce poured on top and a salad on 
the side.   

I was going to say if you only try one of these recipes try this one 
but........you have to try the josephinas and the strawberries too!

Fried Tortellini with Roasted Garlic Dipping Sauce

Adapted from Food.com

(printable copy)

1 large bulb of garlic
1 (9 ounce) package fresh tortellini
2 -3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Frank's red hot sauce


Method: 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   Cut 1/2-inch off top of garlic and 
remove papery outer skin, leaving cloves intact. Wrap garlic in foil
and bake 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a sharp knife. 
Let stand until cool enough to handle.
Cook tortellini according to package directions (do NOT overcook, 
best to undercook a bit). Rinse under cold water, drain well on paper 
towels. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium 
heat. Add tortellini in batches to oil, cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until
 lightly golden. Add more oil if necessary. Drain on paper towels.
Separate cooled garlic into cloves; pinch each clove so roasted flesh 
comes out and place in blender or food processor. Add mayonnaise,
sour cream, Parmesan cheese and hot sauce. Cover and process 
until pureed and very smooth. Spoon into small saucepan; cook and 
stir over low heat until hot and bubbly. Transfer to small serving bowl.
To serve, arrange tortellini on serving platter. Dip into Roasted Garlic 
Sauce.

These Josephinas were so yummy!  Imagine garlic bread amped up times 10!  

Very decedent!

Josephinas

Adapted from Food.com

(printable copy)

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup finely chopped green onion

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies or 1 (4 ounce) can jalapenos

1 cup monterey jack cheese, grated

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 loaf French bread or baguette

Method:

Combine butter, onion, peppers, cheese, mayo, and garlic powder.

Slice bread 1/4 inch thick, spread with butter mixture.

Broil until cheese bubbles.

These strawberries are a favorite of my daughter Bay.  They would be 

beautiful dipped in chocolate and you can also change the almonds to 

sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs or mini chocolate chips.  Whatever 

floats your boat......they are very versatile! 

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Adapted from Food.com

(printable copy)

24 large strawberries, scooped out with a melon baller.

12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped

Method:

Whip together the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar.

In the center of each strawberry, using a melon baller, make a hole in each one, as deep as you can without going out the bottom.

Spoon or pipe the filling into each hole.

Dip cheesecake end of strawberry into chopped almonds, making sure 

you completely cover the cheesecake filling with the nuts.

Lay strawberries in a pretty serving dish.

Chill, and serve.

Here are a few of my favorite fashions!  


Michelle Williams is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses 
and she looked like a goddess in her understated Chanel gown.    
I can't wait to see Blue Valentine!


Natalie Portman looked stunning showing off her baby bump in 
this deep purple Rodarte ensemble.   


My favorite young actress is Hailey Steinfeld.  She was amazing 
in True Grit and looked just adorable on the red carpet.  She is so 
well spoken for such a young girl.  I really think she has a great career 
ahead of her.


Scarlett brought sexy to the night.  She is breathtaking in this Dolce 
and Gabbana that featured touches of lace and an open back.  
Needless to say........my husband loves her!


I really think I had more fun watching the pre-show and the fashions 
than I did watching the actual awards.  I think I miss Billy Crystal.....  
James Franco made me cringe at times and Anne Hathaway was 
just too perky for my taste.  


Oh well.........


Congrats to all the winners! 

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