Is there really such a thing as an Oscars party?

I ask because every website I visit seems to have guides upon guides for hosting your own Oscars party, for food that fits various Oscar party themes, and for DYI projects for these alleged parties. But I have never heard of anyone actually hosting or attending one. Maybe y’all just aren’t inviting me?

It’s not like I’m anti-Academy Awards or something. I do usually watch them… although, with all the coverage afterward, you don’t really need to. But the only time I recall trying to watch them with someone other than my family, roommate or husband was when I was in school in London and we couldn’t find anywhere to watch the broadcast because no one had a TV. This was extremely upsetting to my friend Johanna, who wanted to become (and did become) a producer/director, and had watched every Academy Awards broadcast as far back as she could remember. But even then, we weren’t planning on making special food or anything. We just wanted to find a TV.

Anyway, whether you’re hosting an Oscars party or just sitting around in your pajamas half paying attention to the TV, this pimento cheese is an excellent choice. I had the idea to try making it with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise a while back, and then I came across a recipe from Bobby Deen’s new show in which he does just that.

That show bugs me, for a variety of reasons, but I do like the general idea of it. And I really liked this cheese (although I did add some stuff and do some things differently that he suggested).

Having not grown up in the real South, I have no concept of whether there are hard and fast rules about pimento cheese. So I apologize if there is anything about this particular mixture that offends anyone’s southern sensibilities. I promise it is actually quite good, though. And healthier than the mayo-laced kind.

Serve with crackers, carrots and celery. Or slather it between two slices of rye or whole-wheat bread, add a slice of tomato and grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is a little melty. Yum.

Pimento cheese (Adapted from Bobby Deen, makes about 2 cups)
1 1/2  to 2 cups freshly grated sharp or extra sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated low-fat mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup plain, fat-free Greek yogurt
1 small clove garlic
1 red pepper
1/2 jalapeno pepper
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Hot sauce to taste

Grate the cheese, if necessary, and place 1 cup of Cheddar and all the mozzarella in a food processor with the Greek yogurt. Peel, smash and roughly chop the garlic clove and add to the bowl of the food processor.

Remove the stems, seeds and ribs from the red pepper and jalapeno and chop each. Add those pieces to the food processor. Pulse the whole mixture until well mixed.

Scrape cheese mixture into a bowl or serving dish. Stir in additional 1/2 cup to 1 cup cheese, salt and pepper, and hot sauce. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.