Each time I burst into yet another song – show tune, 1980’s top 40 hit, or commercial jingle – my husband looks at me with a mixture of amusement and a look that clearly says, “My wife has lost her marbles.” Despite the large repertoire in my relatively useless mental jukebox (really, the only time I can see this coming in handy is if I am ever in a singing duel with Bette Midler), I can not seem to commit the words of Auld Lang Syne to memory. “Should auld acquaintance be forgot…mumble, mumble, mumble”. At that point I just give my husband another New Year’s smooch or take a big swig of champagne. I guess all that really matters is that it is a song about old friends and those bonds that bring us joy throughout our lives.
Whether you the host or guest at a New Year’s Eve party, it is likely that you will need to whip up an hors d’oeuvres or two, and perhaps some cocktails. The appetizers and drinks listed below are some of our favorites. Many of them can be ahead of time so that you can enjoy the celebration with your guests without spending half of the party slaving over the stove.
I raise my glass and wish each of you a happy and prosperous New Year!
Cocktails:
Left to right:
Kamikaze Cocktail or Shot
Watermelon Mojito
Hors D’Oeuvres and Appetizers:
Clockwise from top left:
Crispy Parmesan & Rosemary Cups with Spinach & Strawberry Salad
Artichoke & Hazelnut Spread/Dip
Garlic Roasted Shrimp with Jalapeno Cocktail Sauce
Roasted Vegetable (Sweet Potato, Eggplant & Tomato) Spread or Dip
And more…
Clockwise from top left:
Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Herbed Goat Cheese & Kalamata Olives
Shrimp & Persimmon Salsa in Toasted Corn Tortilla Cups
Bacon, Cheddar Cheese & Scallion Gougeres (Cheese Puffs)
Seared Scallops with Chimichurri Dressing
Last but not least…
Clockwise from top left:
Savory Cranberry, Pistachio & Goat Cheese Palmiers
Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Mascarpone in Wonton Cups
Prosciutto, Goat Cheese & Cherry Jam Rolls
Savory French Toast Bites with Bacon, Tomato & Cheese
(Don’t forget to stop by my giveaway blog for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. The contest ends on 12/31.)
Boyd Kobe
Such a yummy appetizer recipe and Gorgeous looking cocktail! It sounds so delicious too. Can’t wait to try these…Thanks
Lillie
Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and
create my own. Do you require any coding expertise
to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
Discount Kitchen Cabinets
Looks like that you all had a good time.Hope I could be their with you all in that cocktail party.Dara you rocked the party.Have a wonderful year ahead.
Ardith
Dara, your blog and recipes are sublime. What a delightful experience all around. Thank you, Ardith
Josie
This looks like quite the delicious cocktail party – those savory palmiers are calling my name for sure!! Happy New Year, Dara!
Barbara Bakes
Looks like you'll be eating well! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
wenderly
Absolutely beautiful! Happy Happy New Year to you & your family Dara!
Monet
Now if only I had the time and energy to make ALL of these delightful recipes. I love this collection, and I'm bookmarking it for parties in the future. Thank you for sharing all of these recipes with me. I wish you and yours a blessed weekend and new year!
Island Vittles
The seared scallops look delicious — give me a plate of those and a glass of champers, and I'll be a happy girl! Happy 2011 from 1 Canadian to another….Theresa
Cake Duchess
Wow Dara-I love every one of these delicious options. These would be great to have tomorrow night or any night:)I wish you a wonderful and very Happy New Year full of good health, happines, and lots of love.
bellini valli
Love it all. Some really inspiring dishes here. Have a wonderful New year celebration.
Drick
what time does the party start? you know I would love every one of these… such a great line-up – hope you have a fantastic weekend and a great start to 2011
Kori
Wow, your appetizers are absolutely beautiful and all sound so delicious! I'm especially drooling over the grilled zucchini rolls with goat cheese and kalamatas though… Yummy! Happy 2011 🙂