It’s almost time for the big awards show!

Have you seen all the movies you want to see before the winners are announced? I haven’t quite seen them all and if you’re like me, we’ve gotta get crackin’!

So, let’s make it fun!

I’m really, really behind the times so I plan to fire up the Netflix, cook a romantic dinner for two and make an evening of it!

Come to think of it, I’ll break out some delicious steak recipes, and actually make a weekend out of it! I told you I was really behind.

I’m thinking of trying this Japanese Flank Steak with White Soy and Ginger Sauce on one of the nights. I haven’t tried it yet and the ginger, garlic and Dijon mustard in the sauce sounds absolutely divine.

It’ll be fun to mix it up a bit.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re going to have steaks two, maybe three nights in a row?

Yes. Yes, I am.

It’s been done before and I will do it again. I recommend it, actually. And my husband is right there with me. He’s all for it. We’re obsessed together. It’s more fun with a partner in crime.

Not that loving steak is criminal. Oh, no, it is not.

Night two might consist of – of course Netflix – and this recipe for Tuscan Roasted Steak Spiedini. This one calls for steaks certified by the American Heart Association so I feel good about this one, for sure.

Then, for our final evening, I’m thinking this Beef and Vegetable Soup will hit the spot. It’s soup – with STEAK in it! Genius!

Now, if we’re still not caught up, at least we will have a working knowledge of a lot of what’s going on when the awards are announced. It’s much more fun that way.

And we got to eat a lot of steak along the way!

Movies are a favorite in our house. And Tinseltown’s biggest awards ceremony is coming up! We are so pumped!

Have you seen all the movies nominated? There are some really amazing performances and stories this year.

We love to watch the awards because it’s so much fun to see the stars away from their characters and playing themselves. But, ahem, we simply can’t make it out to Los Angeles this year. We just have too many pressing items to take care of at home.

So, if you’re not going to the ceremony like us (hey, there aren’t THAT many chairs in there – gotta save a spot for Leo and Sylvester) don’t miss out . . . have your own ceremony-watching party with an award-worthy menu at home! That’s what we’ll be doing and it’s a blast.

You can keep with the movie theme and decorate accordingly. So much fun!

Have movie-type treats around – popcorn, candies, etc. But don’t forget the REAL star of your show – dinner!

You know for me that always means steaks. I mean, what better excuse to cook up the good stuff?

So what’s on a menu that’s truly award worthy?

For starters, serve some delicious crabcakes to whet the appetite before the show begins. Or perhaps some gourmet Burger Bites.

The main event must be a filet mignon. It’s tender and up to the challenge.

Then, a side of twice baked potatoes will go nicely. Just heat these up and you have a gourmet side dish everyone will love!

Create a simple salad to add some beautiful greens to the mix.

And finish up with a tempting dessert that will earn you rave reviews – like a Red Velvet Cake or a Lemon Tart.

With this menu, your friends will be begging you to host the award-watching soiree every year – and you might just have to indulge them with a repeat performance.

Bravo!

Food is life to me.

Is it to you?

It’s memories and smells and tastes and feelings and the sounds of silverware clanking and laughter.

Basically, it’s all the senses rolled into one. And it’s magical.

Food is what your grandma offers to make you feel better. It’s what you share with your loved ones to start the day and to end it.

It’s connecting. It’s love.

And there are just some foods that are more comforting than others. Classic comfort foods.

I suppose we all have our own definition of what “comfort food” is. My choices are pretty straightforward.

Meatloaf is one. A good roast. Chicken fried steak. Ribeye steak. Beef Wellington. I love that flaky crust enveloping the tender beef.

But have you ever tried different versions of your classic comfort foods? Chicken fried chicken? Chicken Wellington? Even Lobster Wellington?

Oh, how comforting a new twist on an old favorite can be.

Make it a point to just step a pinky toe out of the box and create new classic comfort foods for you and your family.

It might be Lobster Flatbread. Or Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese, you know, made with a cheese other than Velveeta. (Is that really even cheese?)

Or what about Chicken Stuffed with Lobster? So delicious. Two tastes in one.

A good beef chili is comforting, too. Try it with chicken – or shrimp!

Have fun creating memories that will stick with your family forever. But be careful with the recipes. I made a “memory” for my family once attempting a Salisbury Steak that has gone down in family lore for all of eternity.

And not in a good way. But you knew that.

In this case, a heat and serve option might be best. And perfectly delicious!

Happy comfort fooding to you and yours!