Oscar Tips III: Best Actor

    As the Oscar countdown winds down, "don't forget the leading men," as Abigail Adams might say. These master thespians will have your Oscar guests rolling out the red carpet.... in your kitchen! Without further ado:

Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Capote” (UA/Sony Pictures Classics)
Terrence Howard in “Hustle & Flow” (Paramount, et al)
Heath Ledger in “Brokeback Mountain” (Focus Features)
Joaquin Phoenix in “Walk the Line” (20th Century Fox)
David Strathairn in “Good Night, and Good Luck.” (Warner)

    If you plan to warm up for the big night with Joan and Melissa, Ryan and Isaac, (and who isn't?) why not throw Heath on the barbie? Paired with a frosty Fosters and a bloomin' onion, you have a late afternoon snack that your early guests will dig... eridoo!
    Terence Howard can be a stumper for some chefs. It's what you might call an "aquired taste." Rather than making the Memphis pimp the focus of your meal, consider serving Terence as part of a composed salad with pears, gorgonzola, and walnuts. If some of your gang opts for a "no thank you" portion, it means more for everyone else!
    In Cajun country, food is like a religion. If you are feeling ambitious, steal an idea from the Cajun cookbook and make a Phoenix Family Turducken! Remove the bones from Joaquin, do likewise with two of his siblings, and stuff one inside the other! Truss, and roast in a 375 oven until an internal thermometer reads 165.
    No doubt, he's one of our most versatile young actors, and he looks delicious hanging in the window in Chinatown, but prepping a whole roast Hoffman at home can take a toll on the home kitchen--and the cook! Instead of roasting, why not use the Capote star as the basis of a delicious stew? You could use either red or massaman curry, and serve over broad rice noodles for an unusual main dish.
    The gamy taste of Strathairn can be a challenge even for seasoned gourmands. To accentuate the positive, try poaching in milk, and pairing with an assertive Sauvignon Blanc.
    Is your mouth watering yet? Mine too. I'll be back tomorrow with ideas for making the most of those leading ladies.