If an Oscar-Winning Movie Were a Recipe ...

Slumdog Millionaire: Naan

Whether you grow up in the slums of Mumbai or a palatial estate like the Taj Mahal, if you live in India it's likely that you eat naan. This dense, chewy bread is like a thin version of focaccia and is a staple accompaniment to hot meals. If you happen to win a million dollars and want to splurge on more than bread, check out more Indian recipes like Tandoori Chicken and Classic Lamb Curry, or host an Indian-Spiced Oscar party.

Recipe: Naan

Wall-E: Trash Mix

We think Wall-E, the lovable trash-collecting robot in this animated classic, would be very fond of this snack mix–a jumbled mix of nuts, pretzels, candy, and dried fruit. But knowing his fondness for show tunes, he might just prefer the Hello Dolly Bars.

Recipe: Trash Mix

The Wrestler: Slow-Braised Beef Stew with Mushrooms

In one pivotal scene, Randy "The Ram" Robinson confesses to his daughter, "I'm an old broken down piece of meat and I deserve to be all alone. I just don't want you to hate me."
In the culinary world, when meat breaks down through a process of long simmering in a rich and flavorful liquid, it's hard not to love. This stew, like Mickey Rourke's character, is complex, interesting, and just a tad saucy. And, unlike Randy, all of the rib bones are intact.

Recipe: Slow-Braised Beef Stew with Mushrooms

Milk: Three Milk Cake

The obvious recipe for this movie would have been Vanilla Ice Milk, but Harvey Milk was anything but vanilla. So we selected a "tres leches" cake, notable for its perfect blending of different types of milk to create just the right sweetness and density. The milks are the stars of this cake and not just used as blending agents–a nice match for the movie's ad slogan, "Never Blend In".

Recipe: Three Milk Cake

Million Dollar Baby: Chicken Scallopini

Watching contenders punch the stuffing out of each other may leave you antsy to do a little bob-and-weave of your own. Keep the pillows intact and pound a chicken breast scallopini-style instead. You'll keep the feathers from flying and end up with a dinner than cooks in about 20 minutes. Serve it with a slice of Million Dollar Pound Cake for dessert.

Recipe: Chicken Scallopini

Forrest Gump: BBQ Shrimp

Shrimp is a great movie-night food because it's easy to prepare and cooks quickly, and, thanks to Buford "Bubba" Blue, we know that we can "barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it" for "shrimp-kabobs, shrimp Creole, shrimp gumbo." Or, try it "pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried." You get the picture. Keep it simple with the bright flavors of lemon, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, rosemary, and thyme. And, of course, don't forget to pick up Forrest's favorite, a "box of chocolates, for dessert.

Recipe: BBQ Shrimp

Silence of the Lambs: Fava Bean, Asparagus, and Pasta Soup

Remember the haunting scene when Hannibal Lecter relishes the memory of dining on (human) liver with "fava beans and a nice chianti?" While we don't recommend Hannibal's main course, our online reviewers convinced us that fava beans deserve a second shot at the spotlight. We put them in a veggie soup, just to be safe. If you are craving liver, leave the poor census-takers alone and try Chicken Livers with Caramelized Onions and Mardira.

Recipe: Fava Bean, Asparagus, and Pasta Soup

Sound of Music: Easy Schnitzel

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels, Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles are obviously a few of Julie Andrews' favorite things. Traditionally German, schnitzel is meat dipped in egg, then breaded and fried. That's three more favorite things to love right there. This easy version will be done before you get through the previews.

Recipe: Easy Schnitzel

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King: Sparkling White-Sangria Salad

Let this award-winner serve not only as the evening's entertainment, but also as a timer. Before you start the movie, pop the fruity gelatin salad in the fridge and, when the trilogy's over, it'll be ready to serve. In the meantime, enjoy Beer-Battered Onion Rings, Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash Rings, or a Roast Sausage Ring. They're faster, just as tasty, and, of course, ring-shaped.

Recipe: Sparkling White-Sangria Salad

Gone With the Wind: Roasted Potatoes with Tangy Watercress Sauce

When lean times in the war-ravaged South left Scarlett digging for root vegetables and nibbling on whole potatoes, she became inflamed and inspired, pronouncing "As God is my witness, I'll never go hungry again." Try an equally-inspired side of roasted potatoes dressed lightly with a minty watercress sauce. Their unique flavor may inspire you to do even more, so consider hiding the curtains before you dive in.

Recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Tangy Watercress Sauce

Host a Night at the Movies

Keep the spirit of the cinema alive all year with these fun movie night ideas.