Oscars Party Tips from Pastry Chef Sherry Yard

Recently, Los Angeles hosted the  Oscar Food and Beverage preview for the Governor’s Ball at the Annual Academy Awards.  The tents are up on Hollywood and Highland just in case the rain starts to fall. The Kodak theater looks amazing. If they could, the ghosts from the old Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, scene of the first Academy Awards dinner, would probably meander across the street to try these heavenly goodies.

Sherry Yard prepares Oscars worthy desserts for tasting at the Governor’s Ball Preview in Los Angeles.

Giving out samples of the fabulous fare from the Oscar menu were Spago chef Wolfgang Puck and executive pastry chef Sherry Yard.  I had the opportunity to ask Sherry if she had any tips to share with viewers at home hosting their own Oscar parties.  Fortunately she did.  Here are some cheap and cheerful Oscar worthy dessert tips.

· Go retro! Make your favorite jello and pour it into a baking sheet then tightly cover it with plastic wrap. Once it has set, cut out stars and Oscars with cookie cutters or butter knives. Pair it with a flavored whipped cream like (cherry jello with chocolate whipped cream, apricot jello with cinnamon whipped cream, or orange with a coffee whipped cream) for a perfect evening sweet treat.

· Fondue is easily made at home- and is a great luxurious match for the big night of stars. Melt store-bought chocolate in a double boiler and dip in berries, pretzel rods and store-bought cookies for dipping. If you’re ready to go the extra mile, buy an inexpensive chocolate fountain that serves as a centerpiece and a dessert.

· Put your own twist on store-bought ingredients. Buy a cheesecake and carve out little balls with a small ice cream scoop or melon baller. Roll the balls in crumbs of your favorite cookie or nut and place in the freezer for a few hours. Just before serving push a lollipop stick in the center to create a great snack for kids or adults. To serve, fill a small vase with ordinary sugar and arrange the pops like flowers into the vase.

Readers, do you have any of your own tips to share for Oscar parties at home?  Check my previous post for the Oscar Party Kit and Wolfgang Puck’s Chicken Pot Pie.