Emmy Awards Recipes

We love the idea of Mike Rowe and the rest of the Dirty Jobs crew getting dirty doing something as pleasurable as eating. What better messy, dirty thing to sink your teeth into than these sticky, glazed barbecued ribs while waiting to see if they win the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program.

These kathi rolls come from Padma Lakshmi, the author of Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet and host of the Emmy-nominated Top Chef; we think they'd get high marks at any "judges' table."

Steve Carell, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in NBC's comedy The Office, plays a character (Michael Scott) who's so stuck in the 1980s, he might love the idea of serving quiche for a dinner party. This one from Thomas Keller would be a show-stopper (though a little beyond anything Michael could pull off).

Finger sandwiches are ideal for House fans, not only because they're delicious and can keep while waiting for Hugh Laurie to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, but because his character, Dr. Gregory House, only ever seems to eat sandwiches from the hospital commissary. Poor thing.

Andy Millman, actor may have made it to the next level, acting-wise, but Ricky Gervais' character on Extras still likes sharing his take-away Indian food with his mate Maggie Jacobs.

Grey's Anatomy is up for the Emmy for outstanding drama. For outstanding six-pack, we nominate McSteamy. And in honor of the Seattle plastic surgeon, we propose these exquisite Asian-style steamed mussels.

Soft pretzels are perfect for fans of NBC's 30 Rock (nominated for more than 10 Emmys)—pretzels from a New York City street cart are the only thing to eat when you're walking around Rockefeller Center.

George Carlin, rest his soul, is nominated for his HBO special, It's Bad For Ya! This bar mix screams Carlin: it's nutty, sweet, and a must with alcohol.

Kevin Dillon could well win as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The character he plays on Entourage, Johnny Drama, is a great cook—it seems like he's always making breakfast. It's easy to imagine him making this French toast for his friends after a night of debauchery (incidentally, it also makes an awesome dessert with a little vanilla ice cream).

If you're like us, you think the whole TV and awards thing is cheesy, and fun (just like these little cakes)!