Here Comes Oscar Night

Who gets the Oscar in your household for Best Performance of the Year? Maybe the cat? The 84th Academy Awards ceremony takes place in Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre on Sunday night, Feb. 26, and will be televised (by ABC) in more than 225 countries worldwide. Gather the family around to watch comedian Billy Crystal host the big show. Here are two recipes to help make it into a party. The big question: Will anyone still be awake when the Best Picture award is announced? That won’t happen until three hours into the show that doesn’t start until 8:30 p.m. here on the East Coast.
 

Lemony Hummus Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 (1/4 cup) servings

2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
4 garlic cloves
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 package Hidden Valley Salad
Dressing & Seasoning Mix
4 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
Dash of paprika for garnish

1. In a food processor, puree the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, salad dressing and seasoning mix and water until very smooth, about 3 minutes.
2. Add tahini paste and process an additional 2 minutes.
3. Spread hummus into a shallow serving bowl.
4. Sprinkle top with paprika. For more recipes and tips, visit www.hiddenvalley.com.

Source: FamilyFeatures

Cheesy Ranch Popcorn

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 1/2 minutes
Makes: 6 (2 cup) servings

1 bag (3 ounces) reduced-fat, low sodium butter-flavored microwave popcorn
1/4 pack (0.25 ounces) Hidden Valley Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
3 sprays from olive oil mister
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1. Pop popcorn according to package directions. Immediately open the bag and pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl.
2. Spray the popcorn with three sprays from the olive oil mister, toss with salad dressing and seasoning mix and then toss with the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Source: FamilyFeatures