The Primetime Emmy Awards are quickly approaching, making it the perfect excuse to invite over a few friends and pull together a decadent (but hassle-free) menu for this star-studded event. From spicy marinated olives to luxurious chocolate-covered strawberries, these recipes are easy to prepare and eat (no silverware required!), so you can spend more time huddled near the TV, placing bets on your favorite nominees.
Vieux Carré
Similar to a Manhattan but a little smoother, a Vieux Carré is a sophisticated way to start the viewing party and a clever nod to Mad Men's 17 nominations. Guests will marvel that the beverage — made of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and angostura bitters — slides down easily. For an elegant presentation, serve it in a lowball glass with a single, giant ice cube.
Spicy Marinated Olives
Making your own marinated olives is easier than it looks, especially since precise measurements aren't as crucial for the dish's success. Don't forget to serve these with a bowl for the pits.
Bite-Sized Twice-Baked Potatoes
These bite-sized twice-baked potatoes are similar to their larger counterparts, yet don't require a fork and knife — perfect for dining on the couch during your viewing party. This fully loaded potato requires a longer time commitment; however, with the right tools (a melon baller), assembly is a relatively pain-free, and their robust flavor is worth the extra effort.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs
Source: OnSugar user Aimee3242
These prosciutto-wrapped figs, made by Yum Community member Aimee3242, are the Fall equivalent of proscuitto and melon. Since these are best served at room temperature, they can safely rest on the coffee table for easy grabs throughout the award ceremony.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries seem far more luxurious than their simple assemblage would suggest. Melt the chocolate of your choice and start dipping! It's a quick dessert that's as rich as the Emmys themselves.
It's been said that haute cuisine is true art, but I'd argue that composing a menu takes some serious skill, too. First off, the food has to read like it's appetizing. Then there's the issue of how many items should be offered. Everyone's got a different number: when I dine out at a restaurant that offers less than 10 menu items, my guy complains that there's not enough selection on the menu. Yet if I open a menu to find 100 offerings, I'll almost certainly be overwhelmed. As someone who has a tough time making decisions both big and small, I'd rather be faced with a terse menu than a paralyzingly long one. Getting the length just right, it seems, is quite a tough line to toe. Which do you consider the greater of two evils? And what's the magic number when it comes to menus?
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