2011 Oscar Party Photos & Recipes
Monday, February 28, 2011 
I know this is my millionth Oscar post (enough already!) but I can't help it - it's up there with Christmas and Thanksgiving, and admit I'm completely neurotic about it. To follow up from my pun-filled menu ideas, here are some photos of the spread from my party last night. Aside from the actual awards show being a total snoozefest, I had my best pop culture-loving friends over for lots of bubbly, food, fashion judging and bets over just how stoned James Franco had to have been to forget he was hosting the godfersaken Oscars. But back to the food:
Foiled Cupcakes - Blue Valentine
Foiled Cupcakes generously provided three dozen (three dozen!) cupcakes for my psychotic party, and they were a favorite. Gorging on red velvet, coffee, vanilla and cookies and cream cupcakes with champagne (yes, please!) would put anyone in good spirits. The coffee was by far and away the favorite flavor - even the boys who "don't like sweets." Liars. (Bonus points for the cute delivery guy. Seriously, thanks for that). But really, they taste as good as they look.
To go along with my puntastic menu, I got these cupcake toppers from the Purple Peony Couture etsy shop for Blue Valentine. Romantic "valentine" messages like "Facebook Me" and "XOXO" or "U + Me = Us" were put on to blue cupcake toppers. (Yes, that is a 2gether MTV reference. What? Don't act like you've never heard of this before.) Follow @foiledcupcakes - aside from selling lick-your-face delicious cupcakes - the ladies there are amazing and doing some cool stuff with social media. Thanks, Marni and Iris!
*Foiled cupcakes provided me with free cupcakes, but opinions (on both the cupcakes, and delivery guy) are my own.
Open Facebook-ed Sandwiches - The Social Network
These were amazing! I used Ina's recipe (only slightly tweaked) and there were no leftovers in sight. They're perfect because you can basically assemble them 95% of the way, wait for guests to come and finish off with a few minutes under the broiler before serving. I hate running around like a crazy troll when people are over, yaknowwhatimsayin? Oh, and yes, these are carb and fat free. You're welcome. Recipe below.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups hot milk (I used whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 12 ounces Gruyere, grated (5 cups)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 16 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- Dijon mustard
- 8 ounces baked Virginia ham
- chopped chives, for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Microwave milk for 1 min, until warm to the touch. Melt butter over low heat and add the flour, stirring for 2 minutes. Pour the hot milk into the butter–flour mixture and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened. Off the heat add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup grated Gruyere, and the Parmesan and set aside.
2. Toast bread on baking sheets in the oven until both sides are crispy and toasted - about 10 mins.
3. Lightly brush the toasted bread with dijon mustard (this adds some kick, so if you don't want it too spicy make sure the layer is thin), add 2 slices of ham to each, and spoon cheese sauce over ham. (I don't slather, but put just enough for a thin layer over the ham). Sprinkle with Gruyere, and bake the sandwiches for 5 minutes, or just until cheese melts.
4. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve hot.
You can make these all the way through step 3, and just keep on baking sheets in the oven on warm, until all guests arrive. When you're ready to eat, just turn on the broiler to toast the top.
Okay, one more look. Tell me that doesn't look delicious! I'll post the Black and White Swan pasta recipe later! Don't forget to check out my Oscar Bingo (the best, if not scarily competitive Oscar viewing activity ever), Harry Potter Butter Beer and 127 Hours Trail Mix! What did you do? Am I the only one obsessed with this event?
Oscar party, Oscars, croque monsieur, entertaining, food, menu ideas, recipes | in Entertaining, Food 
Reader Comments (9)
That entire party was such a blast and I'm thrilled you posted the recipe for these because I think I ate three. Okay fine, I ate three of everything.
Ahaha, you're so nice. Good ole Mr. Croques! So fun - thanks for coming!!
You guys are such nerds. And I love it.
Says the man who ate two cupcakes for breakfast in the office this morning!!
The food was beyond amazing and all your little touches were perfect. You really are the best hostess I know. Those croque sandwiches literally were amazing. I still dream about them. The cupcakes and sandwiches were perfect too. Cannot wait for the Oscars next year!
I love all the names for the all the food!
How much fun is this? Oh my gosh- the food and decorations are adorable- wish I could have been at your house on Sunday night. I love the black and white pasta idea. Genius!
These look great! What a fun party!
Wonderful post... Very informational and educational as usual!
And I love Chinese food so much. hope u like just as me this is a blog about chinese food facts Oh my gosh- the food and decorations are adorable- wish I could have been at your house on Sunday night.