Oscar Party 2012

So, this year I decided to do a party with the Oscar Best Picture nominees as the menu basis.  We ended up with far too much food again, but it was fun planning the menu with my mom and sister!  We had a great time as always.

The Artist

Pinot Noir

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Soft NY Style Pretzels with Cheddar Dipping Sauce

The Tree of Life

Chicken Pot Pie

Hugo

Mini Quiche Lorraine

The Descendents

Kalua Pig Lettuce Wraps

The Help

Fried Chicken

Midnight in Paris

Croque Monsieur & Champagne

Moneyball

Brownie Sundaes

War Horse

Haystack Cookies

Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day treats included Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes...

Mom's Tuscan Birthday Dinner

My mother has a true love for Tuscany and will hopefully get there very soon.  She loves the landscape, lifestyle, artwork and decor.  A few years ago she passed up the chance to take some art courses in Tuscany and has regretted it ever since.  Hopefully she will get herself there this year.

In the meantime, my sister and I planned a Tuscan Dinner for her 63rd Birthday this year.  She absolutely loved it and it just made her want to take the trip even more.  I may have to tuck myself into her suitcase and go with her!

Turkey Nachos

Dinners during the week get to be a hassle when you have to work late, do laundry and other chores around the house and try a new recipe!  The result...quick & comforting turkey nachos!

A Very Spider-Man Birthday!

For a friend's 5th birthday...

Spider-Man Cupcakes were requested!

Chocolate Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Vanilla Butter cream were a hit with all the kids.

And for the parents...

A Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake!

Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes

Banana Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting.

This was the first time I made this cake and they came out very soft and moist.  Definitely best eaten within a day of making them, but delish!