Need a new theme for movie night? Whether it’s a night for just two or a night full of friends, we’ve got you covered. Tonight’s movie is the movie “The Aviator” starring Leonardo DiCaprio as crazy aviator Howard Hughes and this is your guide.
There is no better way to start a party than with the sophistication and glamor of an old Hollywood party. As you may or may not know, Howard Hughes didn’t just fly planes, he was a filmmaker in the past, dating plenty of stars (like Kate Hepburn and Ava Gardner) to begin with. So he throws a party that even Jack Warner would be proud of. He urges everyone to come dressed as their favorite Hollywood royalty. You could even send out fun old-fashioned invitations if you don’t mind the little extra expense. Essential is a big band CD. There is nothing that sets the mood for this movie better than that.
Since it’s a sophisticated yet fun party, you’ll need lots of sparkly pink champagne. Shirley Temples are a great idea for the nonalcoholic drinker. All you need to do is get a bunch of 7-Up Cherry. It will do the trick. Just make sure you get some maraschino cherries to put in the glasses.
Dessert tonight will be the deliciously glamorous yet fun Cream of Duck Scones. It’s a cute little dessert that goes with the flying element of the image and yet brings old Hollywood. While they seem daunting to do, they are actually quite the opposite. In fact, you can make these little babies ahead of time and store them in the fridge until serving time. Here is the prescription:
“Aviator’s Cream of Duck Puffs”*
Ingredients: 1/8 jar strawberry jam, 4 eggs, ½ cup butter, 6.8 oz sugar-free instant vanilla pudding, 1 cup water, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup all-purpose flour , 3 and ½ cups of milk and icing sugar.
1) In a saucepan bring the butter, water and salt to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until a smooth ball appears. Then remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well and until smooth and shiny.
2) Cut a small sharp in the corner of a Ziploc Storage bag. Fill bag with dough on a greased 15 x 17 baking sheet. Make 3 dozen 1-inch-long hook shapes, forming a small portion at the end for each duck’s head. Bake at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes (when they are golden they will be ready). Put on racks to cool.
3) On another greased baking sheet, drop 36 level tablespoons of batter. Shape the dough into tears. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes (again they should be golden brown). Remove to wire racks.
4) Mix the milk with the pudding mix in a medium bowl for just 1 minute. Place the bowl covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
5) Cut off the top 1/3 of each puff pastry. Remove any soft dough. Put the filling in the bottom of the puffs. Top with strawberry jam. Cut the top in half lengthwise for the wings. Put the wings in the stuffing. Place the necks in the stuffing. Sprinkle with sifted icing sugar.
6) Indulge in all the glamor and sophistication you can muster.
Now it’s time to serve the ducklings and sit down to enjoy the moving image. So put on that DVD called “The Aviator” and let’s get started. I know that Leonardo Dicaprio is in this photo, but he is good, believe me. This movie has something that everyone can enjoy: costumes, beautiful colors, great actors, tragic drama, and lots of emotion. What more is there to ask for? Here I have put ten things you should keep in mind while watching this movie:
Probable page break 1) Leonardo’s butt: I didn’t see that coming, even after I told you to keep an eye out. Tick, tick. Well, there it is in all its splendor (next to him surrounded by pots of pee). really attractive
2) Really Scary Plane Crash – It’s scary…and it doesn’t just make the kids turn their heads terrifying…it makes us all terrifying. Kind of cool, though…hey mom, she looks at all the blood.
3) Paparazzi Blinding Lightbulbs – Yeah, all those flickering lightbulbs hurt. I’d look away, but I don’t want to miss the distance.
4) Kate Hepburn: Well, we all know that Cate Blanchett could even play a dog and make it look real. Although she doesn’t play a dog, we think she’s Kate all the way (although she barely resembles her).
5) The Terribly Dirty Janitor: Even I would go obsessive compulsive just looking at the guy. I mean, did you see his nails? disgust
6) The Insanely Huge Court Trial: Every good movie has a standout speech that makes you cry, cheer, and cheer the madman. Need I say more? That’s one more point for the little one!
7) Two lines from Gwen Stefani: Listen to the two lines and don’t be surprised. While she looks good, I’m glad they stuck with both lines.
8) Crazy Big Band Singer – I am in awe of the sheer amount of energy this guy has. It should have been an award-winning performance. It makes you laugh so hard you can’t see straight. In a weird way, it’s so funny that it’s right.
9) Bonfire Burning Clothes: This is the craziest bonfire scene I’ve ever seen. The music is crazy, but it still makes me want to join Hughes and burn all the clothes. Until you realize that you are in front of a room naked and without clothes. That’s embarrassing!
10) When you tell your date not to eat too much ice cream: The whole thing gives me goosebumps. The title of this one should also give you chills. How old is that girl? Really weird, and I don’t want to know.
Well, with all these tips, your movie night will be the talk of the town. Everyone will be talking about ducks and wackos until next year. A job well done!
*The base of the recipe is from Taste Of Home and I then molded it from there.