“Snacky, Drinky Things”
For Your Consideration on Oscar Night
In Episode Two of the FX series Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans, Joanne Carson (played by Molly Ringwald) greets Truman Capote (played by Tom Hollander) on the steps of her Bel Air home where she’s hosting Thanksgiving.
Capote asks when dinner will start and Joanne, Johnny Carson’s ex-wife and one of Truman’s last remaining friends replies:
In an hour, but there’s lots of snacky, drinky things.
I don’t know who came up with this line, but from now on I’m making “come in for some snacky, drinky things” my greeting at the door when I have people over.
With the Academy Awards coming up on Sunday, I thought I’d share some “snacky, drinky” ideas for Oscar night — things I’ve served over the past few years that don’t require a lot of work (except for the cake!). There are a couple of recipes, but mostly just things from the grocery store to put together and enjoy whether you’re at home in pajamas or hosting a gathering.
I’ll start with my dream snack and drink set up — an Italian Aperitivo.
I go through phases with cocktails and I’m firmly in my Negroni era. They can easily be made in batches for a crowd. One part gin, one part sweet red vermouth, one part Campari. Stir with ice, strain over fresh ice into an Old Fashioned glass and add a twist of orange peel.
Potato chips, olives and traditional Italian Taralli crackers are some of my favorite snacks with a cocktail or wine. I buy taralli at Eataly and they are also available online. For something more substantial, add Mortadella sandwiches to the mix. Put a couple of slices on focaccia with some olive oil, arugula or basil and you’ve got a tasty light supper.
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A while ago I got “Ritz-y” and made these crackers, but any good store-bought cracker will do (I sound like Ina Garten). This batch was topped with prosciutto and pineapple, olive and artichoke tapenade, lemon chive chicken salad and mozzarella, pesto and chopped tomato.
If you’d like to make the crackers, click: Here for the recipe.
Love may be messy, but it’s also delicious. Garrett Chicago Style Popcorn — in particular their caramel popcorn — is scrumptious. This Chicago brand (since 1949) ships worldwide. But any popcorn is great with drinks and terrific with champagne. What’s a night at the movies without popcorn? https://www.garrettpopcorn.com — I’m not an affiliate, I just love it.
I’m a big fan of vintage relish trays like this 1970’s Indiana Glass tray I got on eBay for fourteen bucks. Fill it with olives, hearts of palm, radishes, pickled beets, gherkins and celery or whatever suits your fancy. Great for nuts, cheese, grapes, crudités or assorted chips.
Photo: Jolene
Cocktail franks are always the first things to go at parties. This batch is made with Vienna Beef minis and packaged dough, but last week’s issue of TTK includes a recipe for
’s “Smoke Sheaths” so if you’d like to make your own dough, the recipe is included there.
Photo: Jolene
With salty snacks it’s good to have lots of water on hand and I love freezing melon balls and using them as ice cubes. They add a subtle sweet freshness and I especially like them in sparkling water with mint and raspberries or strawberries.
A Grand Finale
Photo: Jolene
If you want to blow your guests socks off while simultaneously showcasing your impeccable taste in movies, this absolutely delicious Baba au Rhum inspired by 1987’s Oscar winner Babette’s Feast is a showstopper. It takes work, but if you’ve got the time, it’s worth it. Link to post and recipe here: Baba au Rhum
Dinner and a Movie
writes one of my favorite newsletters. Each month she chooses one classic film and a recipe from one of its stars. Tony Curtis’ Goulash? Joan Crawford’s Meatloaf? Clark Gable’s Triple Decker Sandwich? There are also watch parties and videos from Jenny. To get in on the fun, click on her name above. And thank you, Jenny, for introducing me to Twiglets, which I now order on repeat. Food Movies
EATER has put out a list of the Best Food Movies and also a post (link above) to the new film “The Taste of Things” which I’m really looking forward to seeing. The link to EATER’S list of best food movies is below.
Eater Best Food Movies: HERE
Wolfgang Puck and Oscar Night
It’s the 30th Anniversary of Wolfgang Puck catering the Oscars Governors Ball — and before that there were the after-parties at Spago with host Swifty Lazar.
Los Angeles Magazine did a great piece about all of the history and I’ve linked it below.
Wolfgang Puck Reflects on 30 Years of Catering the Oscars. Link: Here
I once cut up a pineapple incorrectly for Wolfgang Puck at a cooking demo I was assisting at in New York at De Gustibus Cooking School in the early 90’s. But that’s a story for another day. All ended well. I’m still cringing. ✨
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Jolene
Are you enjoying Time Travel Kitchen? Consider a $5 monthly or $35 yearly subscription. *Because as Truman Capote once told me, “Darling, don’t be shy about asking, these ingredients don’t buy themselves!” *Truman Capote never said this.
Yes to relish trays! My grandma gave me one and I love it. The details of the tray are in the last photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwygSMAMl-E/?igsh=MmF3d2d5OHdvODc=
I am SO making a relish tray for Oscar nite, like Joe Muer’s used to serve in Detroit. We just finished watching Capote v the Swans; that was one of my favorite lines 😂 Thanks for the kind mention ❤️