Welcome to the latest edition of Come On Over, Food52 editorial director Julie Vadnal's newsletter that's all about hosting gatherings big and small—without losing your cool. Got company? Sign up here for her emails.
The only thing I enjoy more than hosting an Academy Awards party is watching how other people host theirs. On the Monday morning after, I scroll through IG to see what punny names others used for their menu. (One year I saw a Joaquinoa Phoenix & Corn Salad. Genius.) That’s the thing: An Oscars watch party has a built-in theme that can do a lot of work for you, as long as you’re familiar with the nominees. Here’s what I’ll be serving up next weekend—I’d love to hear your ideas, too!
1. A Witchy Martini ...
Wicked’s ten noms call for this community member’s Wicked Witch Black Olive Martini, which is basically a vodka martini, which means I’ll only need one before I feel like I’m defying gravity, too.
2. …Or Green Jell-O
Nea from our Test Kitchen came up with The Substance-inspired green Jell-O. To avoid college flashbacks, serve yours in grown-up shot glasses, or even cut into neat squares.
3. A Smooth Sipper
Next up? A Timothée Chala-milkshake, named after the A Great Unknown nominee. I’m blending up this banana and cardamom one that can easily be doubled (or tripled) for your crew.
4. An Architectural Cake
Something about the sharp angles and powdered sugar on this donut cake gives me The Brutalist vibes. The squares are good for a crowd, and also for stacking, you architect, you.
5. A Bowl of Pope-Corn
Popcorn, or excuse me, pope-corn—inspired by Conclave, of course—is 90 percent of the reason I even go to the movies. At home, I drench mine in butter and salt, sprinkle on some hot sauce, then serve it up in a massive bowl to pass around.
6. A Plate of Milk
Obviously inspired by Babygirl, and obviously on these perfect handmade plates.
Which nominees are inspiring your Oscars menu this year? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments!