Slumdog-inspired dishes and more

At last night's Oscar Party, guests were greeted with warm chai and several dishes inspired by this year's Best Picture winner Slumdog Millionaire.

I prepared some Black Eyed Peas Masala Patties, served with plum chutney

Swati made some chaat. A common snack / street food in India. Using rice chips, chickpeas, cilantro chutney, apple buter chutney, cilantro, and spices.

Our friend Mentha joined in our enthusiasm. She prepared a Bombay Cheese Ball using cream cheese, curry powder, nuts and raisins.

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Other creative dishes inspired by this year's nominated films include:

Cheese pastry puffs
Inspired by Philippe Petit, the puffy-shirted, French tightrope walker in Man on Wire

Roasted 'Button' Mushrooms with Veggie Sausage

Mashed Potatoes
Inspired by Wall-E (when all food was pureed)

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Inspired by the end of Wall-E, when hope forms around seeds

Carrot Halwa
A Slumdog-inpired dessert made from grated carrots, ghee, cardamom and sugar
Prepared by our friends Annie and Matt

'Frost'-ed Banana Cupcakes

Brownies, Cookies and 'Milk'

Swati and I had a great time. What a great way to come together and share our passion for food and movies. I have a feeling we'll be doing it again next year.