Carly’s Oscar Traditions

I think my husband put it best when he said The Oscars are like my "Big Game!" I can't wait for 6:30 tonight to see who will win what. 

My Mama instilled my love for the Oscars and other award shows. In the days before 36 bazillion channels, netflix, and gaming systems; tv shows like The Oscars or The Grammy's were big events in my house. My Dad is not a sports guy (he's a rodeo guy) so instead of watching big time sporting events as a family, we gathered together to watch the likes of "The Oscars." They were times I always looked forward to with my family. We would guess who would win what awards. I was fascinated by all of the beautiful dresses and hair-do's. I'm a glitz and glam kind of girl. I dreamed of someday walking down the red carpet myself, and although that's never going to happen, I still enjoy watching to this day. I'm trying to get my children to put down their Nintendo 3DS' and bond with me... we'll see if it happens tonight!

One of my favorite parts of watching awards shows with my family is that my Mom would make wontons and other yummy snacks. I only remember her making wontons for the awards shows, and it's a tradition I've tried to keep in my own family. It's funny how these silly little traditions can stick in a child's mind. My Mother instilled in me a strong love of reading, cooking, and holidays (yes, Oscar night counts as a holiday!) My Father passed down a passion for crime stories, horses, and my distaste for holidays (yes, I love and hate holidays all at the same time!)

Back to the Wontons! Here's my Mama's recipe, you should make them tonight!

• 1 pkg of wanton wrappers (you can find them by the pre-packaged salads)
• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1 (8oz.) can of water chesnuts, drained and minced.
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 2 green onions
• 1 beaten egg
• 2 C. oil

Mix ground beef, water chestnuts, soy sauce, and green onions. Place 1/2 inch balls of meat into the center of the wanton wrappers. Fold diagonal into a triangle and then seal the edges with a beaten egg. Bring two sides of the triangle together and pinch to seal together. Fry in hot oil.

Now for the best part... the sauce!

• 1/2 C. brown sugar
• 4 T. cornstarch
• 1/4 C. vinegar
• 1 C. ketchup
• 1 1/2 C. water

In a saucepan combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Add vinegar, ketchup, and water. Bring to a boil and stir until mixture becomes thick and turns transparent.

Enjoy!