I begin my Oscars Tasting Menu, in the same manner I've done the last 6 years, with a beverage. I guess the only thing you can rely-on is that I start with a drink and end with a dessert. What comes in between is fair game. I also always try to make something that I haven’t yet published on the blog. But that will change this year - I will vary it slightly however.
Conclave was a fairly interesting movie, and much more captivating than I had anticipated. I’m not sure if that’s because I was raised Catholic. I think the movie stands on its own merits…although, my wife fell asleep during the movie. I may have dozed as well during one scene - it’s tough watching anything during the evening on a winter night, all bundled-up, tired after a long workday and not enjoy a quick little nap. My father once fell asleep during Indiana Jones - perhaps it’s in the bloodline.
The movie focuses around several characters, but one, a name and voice we all know, especially stood out: none other than Stanley Tucci playing the role of Cardinal Bellini. Although, after watching him on Searching for Italy, I found myself expecting a voiceover during the kitchen scene in the movie. Since I’ve already made tortellini soup, I decided to play off of his character’s name and make a bellini. While traditionally made with peaches, you can use any fruit, so I went with what I could find fresh at the grocery store.
Mango Bellini
1 fresh mango, peeled and cut away from the pit
Prosecco, or other bubbly beverage of your choice
Place the cut-up mango in a blender, along with a heavy splash of prosecco, and blend until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides.
Spoon a tablespoon of pureed fruit into the bottom of a champagne flute and pour in the prosecco.
Let the bubbles die down and give a light stir to loosen up the fruit.
Then continue filling the glasses and serve.
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