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.)
Elizabeth says
Mmmm, Dara, they all look so good! I wish I was coming to your house this New Year!
Sadly, we won't be going anywhere father than the couch this year, staying home with the wee ones instead. I think I might have to make a couple of these for myself though (mailing them in time from your end seems unlikely). I think I'll have to make the Prosciutto, goat cheese and cherry jam rolls (yum!) and that artichoke and hazelnut spread, hello!
Thanks for the ideas!
[email protected] says
I need visiting you for these special events, on this end of the year with this great menu – I put the desserts 🙂
I wish to try the garlic roasted shrimps with jalapeno, mmm!
Happy New Year!!
Gera
Tracy says
Everything looks so wonderful, but those palmiers in particular are calling my name! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
The Food Hunter says
Everything looks delicious. I'll take one of each!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i want one of everything! yum!
Denise says
These hors d'oeuvres and appetizers are a delight for the eye and surely for the palate. Delicious!
I've traditionally made 'party food' for New Year's Eve even when it's just the four of us — I see a couple of real possibilities for our menu this year.
Cime di Rapa says
Beautiful!
Kalyn says
Everything looks so yummy, and I love it that we're both trying out the collages on the same day. Thanks again for helping me!
Maria says
Great party food! I want a taste of each:)
Pegasuslegend says
Happy New Year wish I were one of your guests looks spectacular!~
Carolyn says
I love appetizers and happily make whole meals out of them. I could make dinner out of all of these!
Kay Heritage says
What beautiful feast for my eyes! I feel like I just attended a swanky party. Thank you!
alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
These look so wonderful! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Heather @ Multiply Delicious says
What a fabulous round-up Dara! So many amazing recipes! The savory french toast is on my list to try…yum!
Have a fabulous New Years!!
Momma McCall says
I want to come to that party! It all looks amazing!
Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food says
To see all of these brilliant appetizer treasures in one place almost puts me on swoon overload. Where to begin? I want to make/try every single one! Happy new year dear Dara.
eatgreek.net says
everything looks perfect!!!
Happy New Year!!!
warmvanillasugar says
I don't even know which ones to choose! They all look amazing!
Viviane Bauquet Farre - Food and Style says
I love this time of the year… And you make it look unbelievably delicious! Great post, full of fabulous ideas and recipes… Raising a glass to you and yours my dear and wishing you a joyful, delicious and abundant New Year!
Lick My Spoon says
These look yum! I'm spoilt for choice. Happy new year!
Kori says
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 🙂
Drick says
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
bellini valli says
Love it all. Some really inspiring dishes here. Have a wonderful New year celebration.
Cake Duchess says
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.
Island Vittles says
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
Monet says
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!
wenderly says
Absolutely beautiful! Happy Happy New Year to you & your family Dara!
Barbara Bakes says
Looks like you'll be eating well! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
Josie says
This looks like quite the delicious cocktail party – those savory palmiers are calling my name for sure!! Happy New Year, Dara!
Ardith says
Dara, your blog and recipes are sublime. What a delightful experience all around. Thank you, Ardith
Discount Kitchen Cabinets says
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.
Lillie says
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!
Boyd Kobe says
Such a yummy appetizer recipe and Gorgeous looking cocktail! It sounds so delicious too. Can’t wait to try these…Thanks