And the award goes to...

‘Tis the season for awards shows! I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love watching award shows. I don’t know what it is – the uncertainty of who is going to take home the award, the fashion, or the performances during the show - but I love every second. My husband, on the other hand…not so much. Which brings me to this post: I decided to make these awards shows a little bit more fun. Whether you decide to have a large group of people over, or just hang out with your loved ones (kids, significant other, cats, whatever), why not make it a party? And we all know that a good party deserves good food. So here’s my roundup of award-worthy food to accompany your awards show party:

Just a Few – Quick and Easy

After our son goes to bed, my husband and I will enjoy some snacks -I like to make a mix of -easy recipes that don’t require much prep or clean-up. You can’t go wrong with the classic Spicy Chicken Wings recipe – dip them in some blue cheese dressing and you’re set. With the wings, I love to make homemade Sweet Potato Fries – they taste like they came from a restaurant, but aren’t fried. For a sweet finish, you can’t go wrong with Dark Chocolate Lava Drops. I like to make the dough balls ahead of time and store them in the freezer so that I can pop a few in the oven anytime they sound good.

With the Kids – Fun & Interactive

How fun would it be to throw a kid-friendly awards show party with a menu to match? Let the kids stay up a little late and wear their finest pajamas to this party. Start off with Alphabet Breadsticks – each child can make their first initial out of bread (or spell out their name if they’re feeling especially productive!). Next, who doesn’t love pizza? Kids can customize their own with funny faces with this Funny Face Pizzas recipe. End the evening with PB & J Sandwich Cookies, and they can build their own to suit their tastes (raspberry, strawberry or grape jelly?).

Large Group – Black Tie

I had some friends in college who used to have a Black Tie Award party every time there was an awards show on television. I’m talking full-on black tie attire and fancy bites to go with it. I love this idea – and if I had the time to do it this year, I totally would. Serve gourmet appetizers like Roquefort & Pear Flatbread or Raspberry Brie with Caramelized Pecans , and then finish up the evening with sinfully indulgent Triple Chocolate Truffle Bars.

No matter which kind of party you host, it’s sure to be a successful evening with these tempting recipes. I’d love to hear how you celebrate on special nights!