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You can’t watch the Academy Awards without fabulous cocktails and fun finger foods. Red carpet wardrobe malfunctions and acceptance speech stumbles will take a backseat to these party-perfect recipes.
Slightly sweet, salty and spiced with an exotic blend of cinnamon, cumin and paprika, this stuff is downright habit-forming. The recipe is adapted from Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson. GET THE RECIPE
Candied bacon (AKA “Man Candy”) has all the makings of an addictive snack: it’s crispy, chewy, sweet, salty, smoky, and even a little spicy. For this version, I use thick-cut applewood smoked bacon and slather it with maple syrup, brown sugar and chipotle glaze halfway through cooking. As the bacon cooks, the glaze sizzles and thickens into a shiny, candy-like coating. GET THE RECIPE
Transform an ordinary block of feta into an addictive and flavorful spread with burst cherry tomatoes, capers and a flash under the broiler. GET THE RECIPE
Thanks to store bought puff pastry, this fancy-looking appetizer is easy to make — and it comes with a “most popular person at the party” guarantee. GET THE RECIPE
These crisp and flaky cheese straws specked with fresh herbs and crushed red chili flakes make a fun hors d’oeuvre to go along with wine and cocktails. Though they look like bread sticks, they’re more akin to savory pie crust or pastry. GET THE RECIPE
Sweet, salty, spicy, and rosemary-infused, these nuts from Union Square Café in NYC make the perfect party snack. Bonus: they’re a cinch to make! GET THE RECIPE
If you’re ever in need of an elegant dip to bring to a party, this easy smoked salmon dip will save the day. Bonus: leftovers are delicious the next day with bagels. GET THE RECIPE
These cocktail meatballs are so much better than the grape jelly versions you’ve tried before. You’ll love that the meatballs are baked, not fried, and the sweet and tangy sauce is ready in under 15 minutes. Make extra — they disappear in a flash. GET THE RECIPE
I’ve had Coconut Shrimp at many restaurants, but this homemade version beats them all. It’s remarkably easy to make: you can do all of the preparation in advance, and the sauce comes straight out of a bottle. GET THE RECIPE
Who can resist adorable red velvet cupcakes? These have a subtle chocolate flavor, deep mahogany color, and lavish swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting on top. GET THE RECIPE
Also known as Snowballs, Butter Balls or Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies are crisp, shortbread-like cookies made from ground nuts, flour, butter and sugar. This version is flavored with lime, pecans and ground coconut. GET THE RECIPE
13. 15-Minute Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Rich and creamy fudge squares make a perfect one-bite sweet for a party. This recipe is a gem from Cook’s Illustrated — the fudge is not only foolproof, it’s finished in 15 minutes!
A make-ahead pitcher of sangria is the perfect party cocktail. Toss a few bunches of frozen grapes in the pitcher — they look pretty and won’t water the drink down. GET THE RECIPE
Every party needs a signature cocktail and this festive twist on a traditional margarita is ideal for Oscar night. Use a good quality 100% agave tequila like Patron Silver — it’ll taste better, and you’ll be glad for it the next day. GET THE RECIPE
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