Movie Foodie: Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice was a really fun Movie Foodie to plan. I will say, there weren’t many foodie references in this movie, but I was so excited to plan the party aspect of the event. Me and Jesse had dressed up as the Maitlands several years ago, so I already had some props I could use for the party, like the “Handbook for the Recently Deceased” book.    

The menu: Shrimp cocktail – the only food item taken directly from the movie, the famous Day-O dinner party scene; Shoo-fly Pie – there’s a scene where Beetlejuice eats a fly, so this represented that; Minute Maid orange juice – where Beetlejuice is trying to get Lydia Deetz to say his name; “eyeballs” – the Maitlands seemed to use eyeballs a lot when doing their “scare faces”, eyeballs popping out, and putting eyeballs on fingers; and Sandworm breadsticks – representing the sandworm that likes to eat dead people.

One of my favorite things about Movie Foodie is trying new things, and Shoo-fly Pie is now one of my favorites! I have decided it should be the official Thanksgiving or Holiday pie, due to its ingredients of molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. It was sooo good (and awesome with vanilla ice cream too) and not too sweet or rich, which I really appreciated! You can find the recipe here.

I also made a mini version of one of Delia Deetz’s sculptures. I will do another post where I explain how I made this, and the Sandworm breadsticks – in case there is someone else out there who is also interested. I’m thinking there will be, as I saw lots of inspiration out there, including a Beetlejuice themed wedding! I also saw lots of ladies dressing up as sexy Beetlejuices, which I just don’t understand.    

As an added bonus, I had Jesse agree to dress up as Beetlejuice - he was a really good sport about it:) He already had the costume from two previous Halloween parties, one when we went as the Maitlands, and the other as Beetlejuice (there’s a scene where Beetlejuice appears in the same outfit as Adam Maitland). It was a really fun surprise for most people, and I had my camera set up so everyone could take their photo with him - they seemed to have lots of fun with it!

Movie Foodie: 13 Going on 30

I had the first Movie Foodie of the year a few weekends ago. 13 Going on 30 seemed like an appropriate film for my 30th year. 13 Going on 30 is such a cute movie, Jennifer Garner is adorable in it and Mark Ruffalo plays the perfect guy you love to love.

I chose Razzles as the key food item, and wrapped them up as favors (along with some "wishing dust" sprinkled inside) for the guests. Other food items included a veggie tray and “pigs in a blanket” from the birthday party scene, and strawberry chocolate chip pancakes from Jenna’s visit to see her parents. Piña coladas were the drink (my first time making real ones, they are easy too! I couldn't find the cream of coconut at the grocery store, but found it at a liquor store) and guests could keep them “virgin”, or make them “not virgin”.

For décor, I bought some silver fringe and used the laser machine at work to cut out the quote “30, flirty & thriving”. Also, I made it pajama party themed, a perfect excuse to wear pjs while watching a movie!

There are a few ways I choose what movies are best for Movie Foodie night. First, it’s a girl’s night, so I don’t have to worry about pleasing the dudes. Romantic comedies are totally acceptable. Secondly, the movie can’t be too serious – which means nothing that will make me, or others cry. The ending of Big Fish makes me cry every time (I only watch this one by myself, I prefer to cry alone so I can really enjoy it). As much as I love Big Fish, it won’t be Movie Foodie night. Third (which should probably be the first) - does food play a role in the movie? I wouldn’t call any of the movies I have shown, “foodie” movies, but either the food is a part of the plot, or becomes a prop between characters. But, some movies are just fun to throw a party for. My next Movie Foodie in October is Beetlejuice. I have no idea what the menu will be, but I’m so excited to decorate for it!

Movie Foodie: Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus is one of my favorite Halloween movies! Even though it celebrated it’s 20^th year, it still feels just as relevant today as it did when I was 9 (though I understand a few more of the jokes now). This one was a little tougher to create a menu for, but "Life Potion" plays a big role in this movie, and that can count as a foodie item, right?

I had to stretch the concept on this one a little bit, but ended up with five food/beverage items. 

Life Potion: Sierra Mist + Lime Sherbet. Makes a lovely, bright green color. Add dry ice to make it nice and bubbly. 

The Children of Salem: pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. I really wanted to do pumpkin bars, so I used a gingerbread cookie cutter to cut them out, and called them “children”. 

Apples: a healthy option, and a small reference from the movie. If you want to turn it into a game, you could bob for apples – but do people still do that, and is it even sanitary? 

Dead Man’s Toe; with Oil of Boil, a dash of Pox and Newt Saliva: breadsticks, and olive oil, paprika, balsamic vinaigrette for dipping. This is pulled from the spell ingredients for Life Potion. The Dead Man’s Toes recipe was an alteration from this Witch’s Fingers recipe. 

Halloween candy: pick your favorite! I think Reese’s are the best:) 

Apple Cider: Not many people drank this since Life Potion was the main beverage, but it’s nice to have an alternative option.

For decorations I tried to recreate Billy Butcherson’s gravestone out of cardboard. My illustration skills are lacking, so this was really frustrating for me. They didn’t turn out like I had hoped (the skulls “wings” look more like alien tentacles) but it made a good backdrop for the table set up. Black tapered candles (a connection to “the black flame candle”) add to the décor and create mood lighting. The rest of the items were things I had around the house: old books, crusty bottles, an old crate and a few serving dishes.

Movie Foodie: Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands has been one of my favorite movies. It was also one of my favorites to host as Movie Foodie night - and the one I spent the most time crafting for. I couldn't resist making mini sherbet houses and my very own patchwork scottie dog! The scottie dog pattern is from Denyse Schmidt, and you can find it here.

Food items were: Scissorhand kabobs (grilled peppers, potatoes and zucchini), Ambrosia salad, heart shaped sugar cookies, and lemonade. The food is always served first, which allows the guests to discover the scene for each food item as we watch the movie.

I'm including the templates for the sherbet houses, and Edward's paper chain. You can use the the houses as place cards for your food items, or to create a colorful little suburban village:) Click here for the templates!

Movie Foodie!

My desire to have a Movie Foodie night all stemmed from the fabulous movie, Benny & Joon. I watched this movie with my friends in college more often that I'd like to admit. One of the best scenes, by far, is where Johnny Depp's character, Sam, is ironing grilled cheese sandwiches with an iron (why so many sandwiches, I will never know...) Since the first time I saw this movie, I have wanted to try it out, but for some reason never have. It seemed like the perfect food adventure to try with friends - so maybe a girl's night? My right brain started to take over, and than I had a whole evening planned full of other movie related food items. Movie Foodie night became the perfect excuse to plan a themed, social event (my desire to behave like a hermit only intensifies as I age, and planning specific events helps prevent total hibernation).

I decided on three movies that I enjoy and could easily relate to food. I didn't have to try hard to come up with "menus" for each night. The three movies* and their featured food item: Benny & Joon (ironed cheese sandwiches, of course), Mermaids (marshmallow kabobs) and Edward Scissorhands (ambrosia salad). There are about 3-4 other appetizers per movie, and a few decorative details that relate to the film.

And last night, was the first Movie Foodie night! I'll share more photos soon of the actual evening...

*If you are interested in these movies, and subscribe to NetFlix, all are currently streaming on their website.