Hit the Road

Since this is my final post of the semester, I have to end with my favorite film. I’ve probably seen this movie 100 times, and can quote the entire thing, but it never gets old. Looking back on my posts, I saw that I reviewed a lot of dramas, but I love a good comedy too! That’s why this week is all about the quirky comedy Little Miss Sunshine. 

 

Why You Should Choose It:  Little Miss Sunshine follows a dysfunctional family on their road trip from New Mexico to California in order for their daughter Olive to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine child beauty pageant. After loading up the old VW bus, anything that could go wrong does. Olive’s father Richard desperately tries to make a business deal, her older brother Dwayne has taken a vow of silence, her uncle Frank recently tried to commit suicide over a failed relationship, her grandpa is in charge of her pageant routine, and her mother tries to hold everyone together. The film has big laughs but also a big heart. It’s about winners and losers and learning to love your family no matter what they are. 

 

 

Hungry for More: The yellow VW bus is almost like another character in the film, so finding a yellow colored food to make seems like a fitting tribute. Using yellow bell peppers, try making Southwestern Stuffed Peppers. These peppers are filled with beans, brown rice, ground turkey, and corn, making them a great healthy dinner. Plus the will impress your guests because they look a lot harder to make than they actually are! 

 

“You have to fight.”

I’m about to break the first rule of Fight Club…I’m going to talk about Fight Club. While it’s safe to say that most people have seen David Fincher’s 1999 film about an underground fighting club, it is one of those movies that warrants a second viewing. Though it was not particularly well received when first released, it has become a cult film that keeps the viewer uncomfortable and on the edge of their seat until the final plot twist. 

 

Why You Should Choose It: Personally, I would be intrigued by any film that has the tagline “Mischief. Mayhem. Soap.” But Fight Club has a lot more going for it that a funny tagline and Brad Pitt in his prime. The film is a mind bending thriller about an unnamed protagonist (Edward Norton) who is not longer content with his white collar job and fed up with American consumerism. In order to cope with his life, the protagonist forms a recreational fight club with Brad Pitt’s character–Tyler Durden. As the protagonist becomes more and more involved in Tyler’s world, things in the protagonists life begin to unravel and the truth unfolds. While I don’t want to say much more–as to not spoil anything–I’ll just let Tyler explain the rules a little more below…

 

 

Hungry for More: Fight Club is all about how two people, who seem to be complete opposites, come together. Carry that metaphor through to your food with Sweet and Spicy Chicken. Two opposite flavors combine to make a delicious Asian-inspired dish. I usually serve the chicken over rice with diced green peppers and onions to add even more flavor. Word of warning–Fight Club is pretty bloody (if you couldn’t guess by the name). The gore never really puts me in a mood to eat, so maybe try serving dinner before or after the movie. Your guests will appreciate it. 

 

My Kind of Town

Everyone likes a good come back story. If my previous post on Good Will Hunting wasn’t enough of a clue, my favorite come back kid is Ben Affleck. Poor Ben made some bad decisions post-Hunting. There were some bad movies, some really bad movies (Gigi), and some really really bad relationships (the original Bennifer). But then my man Ben reevaluated things. Rather than star in another rom com, he went behind the camera and focused on directing. Solid move. Affleck’s three films are amazing. I had a hard time choosing which one to focus on, but since the 2013 Academy Awards put Argo on everyone’s radar, I chose his second film–less popular but equally good–The Town.

 

Why You Should Choose It: Affleck plays Doug a street smart criminal who lives in Charlestown–“the town”– an impoverished, high crime, Boston neighborhood that is the bank robbery capital. After a botched bank robbery, Doug and his gang take a bank teller, Claire, hostage for several hours. In order to make sure the woman doesn’t talk to the police, Doug begins dating the woman (since she was blindfolded during the robbery, she has no idea he was involved). While this may sound like the beginning of another typical movie romance, I promise The Town is much more. Between the stellar supporting cast (Jeremey Renner, Jon Hamm, Blake Lively), thrilling action scenes, and outstanding directing, The Town is another opportunity for Affleck to explore the underbelly of his favorite city.

 

 

Hungry for More: While 99% of the film takes place in Boston, there is also a major plot point that involves Florida. As Doug grows closer to Claire he begins to think about leaving the city in to pursue a more law abiding life. As not to ruin the ending, lets just say that a bag of oranges is the final image before the credits roll. Sticking with that theme, try making a Quinoa Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Oranges.I never used to be a big fan of quinoa, but I have found that adding ingredients like avocado, nuts, or edamame make it delicious. Not only is this salad a tasty citrus twist on quinoa, it is good for you too!

 

 

He is a Nowhere Man, sitting in his Nowhere Land.

This week, Feasts and Flicks is excited to post a movie and recipe idea from Diana Figueroa! I love the movie that Diana chose, and her recipe looks amazing. This is a must read review for any fans of The Beatles. 

When there’s a day that I can’t seem to find anything to watch on Netflix, which almost seems impossible nowadays, there is always one film that I always keep in the back of my mind, no matter how many times I’ve watched it. If you’re familiar with a little band named The Beatles, then judging by this post’s title, the film in question may have to do with them, or at least one of them: the infamous John Lennon.

Why You Should Choose It: Nowhere Boy is unique because it specifically details the adolescence of John Lennon; his untold story. Sure, the other Beatles make cameo appearances, but the film doesn’t revolve too much around them in the first hour or so at all. In fact, the band name The Beatles isn’t even mentioned once in the entire film. (Trust me, I’ve watched it enough times to know that for a fact). What I like about Nowhere Boy is that it digs deep into Lennon’s harsh and tragic youth. It may be strange to think that the band that many have grown to know and love was musically tied together because of everything the leading man had been through before all the fame and success. I like that the film doesn’t paint Lennon (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) as a martyr. What it does do is make Lennon feel more relatable to audiences, seeing that throughout a majority of the film, he’s only a seventeen year old who wants to “start a rock ‘n roll group.” By no means is John my favorite Beatle, but this film does such a great job at pulling at my heartstrings by delving into the Lennon family. I laughed, I cried and I happily knew what happened at the end because the film’s finale is where most people consider to be the start: Hamburg.

 

 

Hungry for More: After a little research, I found out that one of John Lennon’s favorite foods were Kellogg’s CornFlakes. (Does the lyric, “sitting on a cornflake” ring a bell?) In honor of watching a film about Lennon, it only seems suitable that a meal to go alongside it would be a bowl of the cereal itself, wouldn’t it? Well, I wanted to be a bit more creative than that. I’ve actually heard about these a while back and now I’m even more tempted to make them myself after watching the film for the hundredth time this weekend. Chocolate CornFlake Cakes are a perfect way to integrate Lennon’s favorite cereal into a sweet and savory dessert! The directions are fairly simple and they’re ready in only 25 minutes! You don’t need much to make them but the usual syrup, butter, chocolate and of course a few cups of CornFlakes. Melt and blend the ingredients together onto a saucepan, freeze them, and voila! The full recipe, a few reviews and other tidbits can be found here.

 

 

Paris is Always a Good Idea

Paris is one of my favorite cities. Though I am horrible at french (even after two years worth of classes), the sights and sounds of Paris automatically make me forget that “je m’appelle Ellen” is all I can say. Even if you haven’t visited the city, there are tons of films set in the City of Light. Besides the obvious choice of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Passport to Paris (kidding…kind of), my favorite Paris-centered film is Paris Je T’aime. 

Why You Should Choose It: This film is such an interesting concept: a variety of well-known directors and stars coming together to make a series of short films all centered around romance in Paris. With 18 stories representing the different “arrondissements” of the city, each represents love and Paris in a unique way. Some stories are touching, some funny, and some very strange, but they all come together to paint a complex picture of Paris. Whether or not you have visited the city, the film makes you understand why so many people love the city. 

 

 

Hungry for More: To be completely honest, when I was in Paris I survived off of nothing but wine and cheese platters, but if you are looking to put a little more effort you can serve your cheese tray with a French Onion Tart. The tart is so simple–just pastry dough, onion, thyme, and some seasoning–and so tasty (especially if you like caramelized onions like I do). Combined with a cheese tray (I love a variety of brie, gouda, and bleu), this tart is a filling addition to a french inspired meal. The full recipe can be found here. 

 

 

It May Be Spring, But Let it Snow

I have a confession to make. A deep, dark secret. Until two days ago….I had not seen Frozen. Somewhere between Thanksgiving break and a busy second semester, I forgot to see the one movie everyone is talking about. But now that I have (and can show my face in public again), all I want to do is watch it again, which makes it the obvious choice for my movie pick of the week,

 

Why You Should Choose It: If the millions of people constantly singing “Let it Go” are not enough of a sign, Frozen is the best Disney movie in years. The songs are catchy, the animation is creative, and the plot leaves you saying “awwww!” Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Ana (Kristen Bell) are two sisters forced apart due to Elisa’s uncontrollable magical powers (aka she freezes everything around her). After Elisa accidentally causes her entire kingdom to enter into an eternal winter, it is up to Ana and an array of adorable sidekicks to find her and persuade her to come back. Like any good Disney movie, though the plot may sound like it is only for kids, adults will love it too. And even if you don’t…I promise you that the songs will be stuck in your head for weeks.

 

 

Hungry for More: Obviously, a movie called Frozen can’t be watched eating anything but ice cream. While the traditional “make your own sundae” bar always goes over well, try making Baked Alaska for a different take on ice cream. I have always loved this dessert and there are so many different variations of it. My favorite is Brownie and Peppermint Ice Cream Baked Alaska. You start off with a circular brownie base (I just make a large pan of boxed brownies and cut them to form a circle), covered in peppermint ice cream filled with crushed candy canes, all covered with a toasted meringue. The best part about this dessert is that though it looks fancy it is simple to make. I use my favorite boxed brownie mix, whatever peppermint ice cream I can find at the grocery, and quickly crush candy canes by putting them in a plastic pan and hitting a rolling pin against them a few times. The only real cooking aspect of this dessert is the meringue! The full recipe and tips on how to make meringue can be found here

 

Throw a Bollywood Bash

Remember back in 2010 when literally everyone was trying to learn the “Jai Ho” dance? My entire senior class learned it for prom. Looking back, it’s a bit weird that a Bollywood dance routine was a completely normal thing to do at prom, but I guess that just shows what a pop culture phenomenon this week’s movie was–which if you hadn’t already guessed it is Slumdog Millionaire. 

Why You Should Choose It: I had seen a trailer for Slumdog long before it was the front runner for Best Picture at the Oscars. I thought it looked good and dragged my friend to see it with me at our local art cinema. The film didn’t disappoint. Told mainly through flashbacks, the movie chronicles the relationship of Jamal and Latika–two orphans from the slums of Mumbai. After meeting as children, Jamal spends years searching for Latika after they are separated. His strategy to find her? Go on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Each answer he gets correct correlates to a memory from his past. It is a fairytale like story that is told in an original way–mainly thanks to director Danny Boyle. The colors, sounds, and images of the film make it a movie worth watching several times. Oh, and of course you have to stay for the end when, like any good Bollywood inspired film, there is a dance sequence.

 

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Hungry for More: For a movie set in Mumbai, there is no question that serving Indian food is a must. I used to hate Indian food because I thought it was too spicy, but I have found things that I love and now it is one of my favorites. I think that the most basic (and tastiest) option is Chicken Tikka Masala. Basically, it’s just chicken in a creamy tomato sauces with a lot of spices served over rice. I have found that the quickest way to make it is in the crock pot. Throw all of the ingredients together and cook for 6 hours. Find the full recipe here. 

 

 

If you want a refreshing dessert to go along with your chicken, try this mango coconut smoothie! 

Seven Deadly Sins

My latest television obsession is the HBO miniseries True Detective. The eight episodes detail two detectives attempt to solve a complex murder mystery that spans over 17 years. So being in the murder mystery mood, I recently re-watched David Fincher’s Seven. 

Why You Should Choose It: Seven has it all: An amazing cast (Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Platrow), a great director (David Fincher), and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Pitt and Freeman play two detectives searching for a serial killer who meticulously plans his murders to mirror the seven deadly sins. IIt’s not a happy film, it’s very violent, but the story sticks with you long after the credits roll. 

Hungry for More: Embrace your inner glutton with a ridiculously rich cheesecake and chocolate candy bits stuffed chocolate cake. The full recipe can be found here. This cake is so filling that it will take you the entire movie to eat one piece, but it’s pretty amazing. 

 

Do the Hustle

I am an awards show junkie. The glitz, the glamour, George Clooney in a tux, I love it all. Every year I try to see all of the films nominated for Best Picture so that by the time Oscar night rolls around, I have my favorites for each category. Unfortunately, this year I didn’t get a chance to see every nominee (I couldn’t even get myself to the theater to see Frozen…Yes, I know I am the only one. Yes, I still know “Let It Go”), but I did see the majority and am ready for Sunday night. So to celebrate the biggest night in Hollywood, check out my favorite film up for the title: American Hustle. 

Why You Should Choose It: Besides some so ugly you have to see it to believe it hair and a killer soundtrack, American Hustle is plain fun that is executed perfectly. The film chronicles the adventures of con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his girlfriend/partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). When the team is caught by undercover FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) they are forced into a deal with him that involves fooling some of the most high profile tri state power brokers and mafia men. Sure, the plot is a lot of fun, but it is the characters that made the film my favorite pick for awards season. Amy Adams shines whether playing Sydney or a British aristocrat (Sydney’s cover when conning victims). Jennifer Lawrence is hilarious as an over the top housewife. And Bradley Cooper manages to outshine his permed locks.

Hungry for More: If it’s Oscar night, then your feast calls for nothing more than champagne, but if you are looking for something to go along with the American Hustle theme, you have to make something that is an homage to American classics and a New York City staple. The food that pops into my mind when I think of iconic NYC is always the dollar slice of pizza. While it wouldn’t break the bank to run and buy a couple authentic New York slices, if you are looking to cook (or not anywhere near The Big Apple), try a skillet pizza.

I like skillet pizza because you don’t have to worry about making the dough perfectly round or even. Simply buy a pizza crust mix and once you have made it, mold the unbaked crust into the skillet to cook. I usually choose to make a margarita pizza, but you can experiment with what ever toppings you would like. For the margarita pizza, all you need is 3/4 cup marinara sauce, 6 0z of thinly cut fresh mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of both parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Build your pizza in the skillet, cover, and cook at medium heat for 15 mins. Bon appetite!

Making the Movies Miniature

There are certain people that everyone has an opinion about. Lena Dunham is one of those people. The creator of the hit HBO series Girls is praised by some as an important feminist entertainer, while other criticize her as a self-centered and overly hyped. I personally like Lena Dunham. She offers something a bit different in Hollywood and isn’t afraid to unapologetically be herself. While most people know her work from Girls, she also wrote and directed the independent film Tiny Furniture. 

Why You Should Choose It: Well, if you like Girls consider TIny Furniture a bit of a prequel to the story of Hannah and her friends. Several actors who now appear on Girls pop up throughout the film and the plot mirrors the show in many ways. Dunham plays Aura, a recent college grad who returns home to New York City hoping to find a job and conquer the “real world.” But since this is Dunham’s work, Aura is self-centered and lazy–think Hannah from Girls to an extreme. And Aura is not the only one. In all honesty, none of the characters are particularly likable. But what makes me love Tiny Furniture is the over the top almost mocking view of twenty-something life. Even for all her faults, Aura is a very different portrayal of women in film. That is reason enough to give Tiny Furniture a try. 

 

Hungry for More: Wondering why the film has its name? Aura’s mother is a successful artist who takes photos of miniature furniture. For a movie snack, play off of that idea and transform normal foods miniature. You can get as creative as you want with this, but I went for a classic comfort food in miniature–a spin on grilled cheese and tomato soup. 

After a life changing grilled cheese at a restaurant in New York last summer, I have never been satisfied with ordinary grilled cheese. For my mini sandwiches I toasted buttered Oat Nut bread with provolone and munster cheese and diced strawberries. You can make yours however you want, but the added fruit is really what makes a good grilled cheese for me (bonus if you also add some bacon). Once the sandwich is toasted, make it mini by cutting off the crusts (take off about an inch on all side). Then cut the sandwich squares into four triangles. And there you have mini grilled cheese. 

For the soup, simply make your favorite tomato soup (I prefer classic Campbell’s) and rather than serving in a bowl, serve in shot glasses. The shot glasses are the perfect size to dunk the mini triangle sandwiches into the soup!