A Meal for the Stars - Golden Globe Edition

What has Julie and I buzzing with excitement today? Awards season is in full swing and tonight the 72nd Golden Globe awards take center stage. Two favorites, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey (literally the one I wish would play me in a movie of my life) host these iconic awards which recognize the best in television and film, both domestic and foreign.


From the fashion, to the stars and all of the hot topics being talked about on the red carpet, it is sure to be an evening full of entertainment. Which obviously means Julie and I are doing a little entertaining of our own. A few friends will be coming over for appetizers, dinner and of course champagne. Take a look at our Golden Globe menu:

Champagne Spritzers

You Will Need:

Champagne

Cranberry Juice

How To Make It: A glass of champagne and a splash of cranberry juice

Artichoke Dip

You Will Need:

2 Cans of Artichoke Hearts

1.5 Cups Mayonaise

1.5 - 2 Cups Parmesan Cheese

Dash of Garlic

Dash of Paprika

Crackers for Dipping

How To Make It: Drain and dive up the artichoke hearts. Grease up a baking pan and fill with the hearts, mayo, garlic and cheese. Top with paprika and bake at 350 degrees until bubbling. Serve warm with buttery crackers!

Garlic Chicken with Orzo

You Will Need:

1 Cup Uncooked Orzo

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 Cloves Garlic

1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

2 Skinless, Boneless Chicken 

Salt to Taste

1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley

2 Cups Fresh Spinach Leaves

Grated Parmesan Cheese Topping

How To Make It:  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the garlic and red pepper 1 minute, until garlic is golden brown. Chop chicken into bite size pieces. Stir in chicken, season with salt, and cook 2 to 5 minutes, until lightly browned and juices run clear. Reduce heat to medium, and mix in the parsley and cooked orzo. Place spinach in the skillet. Continue cooking 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Old- Fashioned Chocolate Cake

You Will Need:

3 Cups All-Purpose Flour

2 Cups Sugar

1/2 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

2 Teaspoons Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Table Salt

2 Cups Hot Water

3/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

2 Tablespoons Distilled White Vinegar 

1 Tablespoon Instant Coffee or Espresso Granules (optional)

1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

Glossy Chocolate Icing

How To Make It: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8x2 inch round cake pans with non-stick spray. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Combine water, oil vinegar, instant coffee and vanilla in large measuring cup. Add to dry ingredients and whisk until just combined (a few lumps are OK). Divide batter between pans and bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes. Cool for about 15 minutes and then invert on a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, ice to your liking.