A guide to dessert and a movie – "The Aviator" and their flying duck cream puffs

Need a new theme for a movie night? Whether it’s a night for just two or a night filled with friends, we’ve got you covered. Tonight’s movie is the movie “The Aviator” starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the wacky aviator Howard Hughes and this is your guide.

There’s no better way to start a party than with the sophistication and glamor of an Old Hollywood party. As you may or may not be aware, Howard Hughes didn’t just fly planes, he was a filmmaker in his day, dating a lot of stars (like Kate Hepburn and Ava Gardner) to boot. So he throws a party even Jack Warner would be proud of. He urges everyone to come dressed as their favorite Hollywood royal. You could even send fun old-fashioned invitations if you don’t mind the little extra expense. Essential is a big band CD. There is nothing that sets the mood for this movie better than that.

Since it’s a fancy but fun party, you’ll need lots of sparkly pink champagne. Shirley Temples are a great idea for the non-alcoholic drinker. All you need to do is get a bunch of cherry 7-Up. It will do the trick. Just make sure you get some maraschino cherries to put in the glasses.

Tonight’s dessert will be the deliciously glamorous yet fun Cream of Duck Scones. It’s a cute little dessert that goes with the flying element of the image and yet brings back old Hollywood. While they seem daunting to do, they are actually quite the opposite. In fact, you can make these little babies ahead of time and store them in the fridge until serving time. Here is the prescription:

“Aviator’s Duck Cream Balls”*

Ingredients: 1/8 jar strawberry jam, 4 eggs, ½ cup butter, 6.8 oz sugar-free instant vanilla pudding, 1 cup water, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup all-purpose flour , 3 and ½ cups of milk and icing sugar .

1) In a saucepan, bring the butter, water and salt to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until a smooth ball appears. Then remove from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well and until smooth and glossy.

2) Cut a small sharp edge in the corner of a Ziploc Storage bag. Fill bag with dough on a greased 15 x 17 baking sheet. Make 3 dozen 1-inch long hook shapes, forming a small portion at the end for each duck head. Bake at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes (when they are golden they will be ready). Put on racks to cool.

3) On another greased baking sheet, drop 36 level tablespoons of batter. Shape the dough into tears. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes (again they should be golden). Remove to wire racks.

4) Mix the milk into the pudding mix in a medium bowl for just 1 minute. Place the bowl covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

5) Cut the top 1/3 of each puff pastry. Remove any soft dough. Put the filling in the bottom of the puffs. Cover with strawberry jam. Cut the top in half lengthwise for the wings. Put the wings in the stuffing. Place the necks in the stuffing. Sprinkle with sifted icing sugar.

6) Indulge in all the glamor and sophistication you can muster.

Now it’s time to serve the ducklings and sit down to enjoy the moving image. So, put on that DVD called “The Aviator” and let’s get started. I know Leonardo Dicaprio is in this photo but he is good believe me. This movie has something that everyone can enjoy: costumes, beautiful colors, great actors, tragic drama, and lots of emotion. What more is there to ask for? Here I have put ten things that you should keep in mind while watching this movie:

Page break likely 1) Leonardo’s butt – I didn’t see it coming, even after I told you to watch out. Tisk, tisk. Well, there he is in all his splendor (next to him surrounded by jars of pee). really attractive

2) Really Scary Plane Crash – It’s scary…and it doesn’t just make kids turn their heads scary…it’s scary for all of us. Kinda cool, though…hey mom, she looks at all the blood.

3) Paparazzi Blinding Bulbs: Yeah, all those flickering bulbs hurt me. I’d look away, but I don’t want to miss the distance.

4) Kate Hepburn: Well, we all know that Cate Blanchett could even play a dog and make it look real. Although she doesn’t play a dog, we think she’s Kate all the way (although she barely looks like her).

5) Terribly dirty janitor – Even I would go OCD just looking at the guy. I mean, did you see his nails? disgust

6) The Incredibly Huge Court Trial: Every good movie has a standout speech that makes you cry, cheer, and cheer the madman up. Need I say more? That’s one more point for the little one!

7) Two Lines From Gwen Stefani – Listen to both lines and don’t be surprised. While she looks good, I’m glad they stuck with both lines.

8) Crazy Big Band Singer – I am in awe of the enormous amount of energy this guy has. It should have been an award-winning performance. It makes you laugh so hard you can’t see straight. In a weird way, it’s so funny that it’s right.

9) Bonfire Burning Clothes: This is the craziest bonfire scene I’ve ever seen. The music is insane, but it still makes me want to join Hughes and burn all the clothes. Until you realize that you are in front of a room naked and without clothes. That’s embarrassing!

10) When he tells his date not to eat too much ice cream: The whole thing gives me the creeps. The title of this one should also give you chills. How old is that girl? Really weird, and I don’t want to know.

Well, with all these tips, your movie night will be the talk of the town. Everyone will be talking about ducks and nuts until next year. A job well done!

*The base of the recipe is from Taste Of Home and then I molded it from there.