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Oscar-Watching Party Food

Try these red carpetworthy recipes that are as simple to prepare as they are fun!
By Jennifer Treuting
<p>If you're looking for the little black dress of your Oscar party menu, look no further. We've taken the rich creamy taste of cheesecake and added a crumbly chocolate cookie crust, topping each delicious morsel with a dollop of raspberry preserves. It's classic, but with a twist, just like so many of the night's red carpet dresses. </p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/mini-black-bottom-cheesecakes-desserts" target="_blank"><b>Mini Black-Bottom Cheesecakes</b></a></p>
Tina Rupp
You can't possibly cheer on your favorite movies and stars without some sustenance! Grab a menu full of appetizers and desserts that are elegant enough for the red carpet, but simple enough for your low-key party. We've got you covered with nine star-worthy picks.Get psyched for this year's awards show with an Oscar-winning movie marathon plus menus to match.
1

Mini Black-Bottom Cheesecakes

<p>If you're looking for the little black dress of your Oscar party menu, look no further. We've taken the rich creamy taste of cheesecake and added a crumbly chocolate cookie crust, topping each delicious morsel with a dollop of raspberry preserves. It's classic, but with a twist, just like so many of the night's red carpet dresses. </p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/mini-black-bottom-cheesecakes-desserts" target="_blank"><b>Mini Black-Bottom Cheesecakes</b></a></p>
Tina Rupp
If you're looking for the little black dress of your Oscar party menu, look no further. We've taken the rich creamy taste of cheesecake and added a crumbly chocolate cookie crust, topping each delicious morsel with a dollop of raspberry preserves. It's classic, but with a twist, just like so many of the night's red carpet dresses. Recipe: Mini Black-Bottom Cheesecakes
2

Guiltless Guacamole

<p>Creamy mashed kidney beans add flavor and cut fat from this lean version of guacamole — all the better to maintain your movie-star figure. Ready in only 15 minutes, this skinny yet sumptuous dish can be created right before guests arrive.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/guiltless-guacamole" target="_blank"><b>Guiltless Guacamole</b></a></p>
Tara Donne
Creamy mashed kidney beans add flavor and cut fat from this lean version of guacamole — all the better to maintain your movie-star figure. Ready in only 15 minutes, this skinny yet sumptuous dish can be created right before guests arrive. Recipe: Guiltless Guacamole
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3

Bagel Chips with Ricotta, Chive Puree, and Prosciutto

<p>These no-cook canapés are a wonderful match with a glass of Prosecco, a sparkling white wine similar to champagne. (Looking for some low-cost bubbly to serve at your fete? <b><a href="/entertaining-ideas/parties/sparkling-wines" target="_blank">Try our top five picks!</a></b>)</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/bagel-chips-ricotta-prosciutto-appetizers" target="_blank"><b>Bagel Chips with Ricotta, Chive Puree, and Prosciutto</b></a></p>
Kana Okada
These no-cook canapés are a wonderful match with a glass of Prosecco, a sparkling white wine similar to champagne. (Looking for some low-cost bubbly to serve at your fete? Try our top five picks!) Recipe: Bagel Chips with Ricotta, Chive Puree, and Prosciutto
4

Parmesan Pita Crisps

<p>Rounding out your Oscar menu, these pita crisps are the perfect supporting cast for dips like salsas, chutneys, or bean spreads. A versatile player, they also make a great snack on their own.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/parmesan-pita-crisps" target="_blank"><b>Parmesan Pita Crisps</b></a></p>
James Baigrie
Rounding out your Oscar menu, these pita crisps are the perfect supporting cast for dips like salsas, chutneys, or bean spreads. A versatile player, they also make a great snack on their own. Recipe: Parmesan Pita Crisps
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5

Samosas

<p>Like the glitzy red carpet arrivals, presentation is everything, whether it's a designer dress or a fancy dipping sauce. Store-bought samosas become something extra-special when paired with a mango chutney. Fresh lettuce adds a classy accent. </p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/samosas" target="_blank"><b>Samosas</b></a></p>
Monica Buck
Like the glitzy red carpet arrivals, presentation is everything, whether it's a designer dress or a fancy dipping sauce. Store-bought samosas become something extra-special when paired with a mango chutney. Fresh lettuce adds a classy accent. Recipe: Samosas
6

Caramel Corn

<p>It wouldn't be an Oscar party without popcorn. Ditch the bland microwave version and treat your guests to some homemade caramel corn. This is a great make-ahead recipe, whether it's the morning before or even the day before.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/caramel-corn-popcorn-snack-recipes" target="_blank"><b>Caramel Corn</b></a></p>
Steve Mann
It wouldn't be an Oscar party without popcorn. Ditch the bland microwave version and treat your guests to some homemade caramel corn. This is a great make-ahead recipe, whether it's the morning before or even the day before. Recipe: Caramel Corn
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7

Chili Pecans

<p>An addictive nibble, these spicy pecans will keep guests satisfied from the red-carpet interviews all the way to the Best Picture award. Place small bowls of these fun treats throughout the room, and keep cocktail napkins handy.</p><br />
<p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/chili-pecans-easy-recipe" target="_blank"><b>Chili Pecans</b></a></p>
Ken Burris
An addictive nibble, these spicy pecans will keep guests satisfied from the red-carpet interviews all the way to the Best Picture award. Place small bowls of these fun treats throughout the room, and keep cocktail napkins handy. Recipe: Chili Pecans
8

Fig-and-Stilton Squares

<p>With sweet fig preserves and crumbly Stilton cheese, this easy appetizer might make that simple cheese plate look boring. Taste-wise, it's superior, too!</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/fig-stilton-squares-appetizers" target="_blank"><b>Fig-and-Stilton Squares</b></a></p>
Tina Rupp
With sweet fig preserves and crumbly Stilton cheese, this easy appetizer might make that simple cheese plate look boring. Taste-wise, it's superior, too! Recipe: Fig-and-Stilton Squares
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9

Do-It-Yourself Truffles

<p>Add some classic Hollywood glamour to your party without breaking a sweat: Your guests put the final touches on these decadent truffles — you simply provide  toppings like toffee, crushed mints, or nuts. The secret to their shape is a simple ice cream scoop. Make this stunning dessert the day before, and it might outshine the stars on your television.</p><br /><p><b>Recipe:</b> <a href="/recipefinder/do-it-yourself-truffles-desserts" target="_blank"><b>Do-It-Yourself Truffles</b></a></p>
Tina Rupp
Add some classic Hollywood glamour to your party without breaking a sweat: Your guests put the final touches on these decadent truffles — you simply provide toppings like toffee, crushed mints, or nuts. The secret to their shape is a simple ice cream scoop. Make this stunning dessert the day before, and it might outshine the stars on your television. Recipe: Do-It-Yourself Truffles
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