Entertaining for New Year's Eve

I know many people will have guests over for the New Year.  Whether it is a cocktail party or an afternoon brunch most will have some Appetizers.  I have some suggestions that may help.

Cocktail Parties - We have all been to one of these where the only food was chips and nuts.  Not a good idea when people are consuming alcohol. At the same time you want to be able to spend time with your friends and not be a short order cook.  Try some of these.

Stuffed Mushrooms - some time to prepare but you can have some done ahead and another pan in the fridge ready.  I use a hot sausage combined with the stems and bread crumbs. If you would like recipe just leave a comment below and I will post.

Cheese Straws - easy make ahead food that people love

Good Cheese - Sharp Cheddar, Stilton Blue and baked Brie -  all great choices and ready when the guests arrive with no fuss.. But do use a great cracker or small baguette rounds.

For Brunch -  Try my Spinach Quiche - serve it at room temp in small slices on a serving plate. Or use a small muffin tin and make mine quiches,. 

French Onion Soup - ready ahead and served as they sit down.  It holds heat well and frees up your time.

Deviled Eggs instead of a hot egg dish like omelets can be a great switch.  If you like add some Caviar to some of the eggs.

Small red potatoes - boiled with the skin on cut in half and then served with some sour cream and Caviar can also work

Salad - a field green salad with nuts and cranberries served with a Balsamic Vinaigrette is a great addition to a brunch.

These are just a few ideas that will let you have a party without spending extra time in the kitchen while your guests are waiting.

So what are your ideas?

Tired of Turkey?

I had a great Christmas Dinner with friends.  But the next day I was full of turkey and needed something a little different.  So I made a Pizza. A Great Pepperoni Pizza!  Just right for those winter days when all of the mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing is making you feel - well stuffed!  Here is the quick recipe.  I had all these in my pantry so it was easy.

Crust

1 package yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup of warm water
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil.

Put the yeast and sugar in the water to dissolve and get foamy.  That will take about 10 minutes to proof the yeast. If it is not foamy after 10 minutes your yeast is dead.  Start over. The water should be about 100 degrees - not too hot or it will kill the yeast.

Put the flour and salt in your mixer and stir to combine.  Add the yeast mixture and the Olive Oil.  mix on low speed until it comes together.  Then need for 7 - 10 minutes.  Put the dough in an oiled bowl and turn to cover the dough with oil.  Cover with a towel and let raise until doubled in size.  Punch down and kneed slightly to get the air out.  Depending on the size Pizza you want, you can cut the dough in half or use the whole batch.  I use the bottom of my large spring form pan - just right for one or two people.  Or a Half sheet pan for larger pizza.

Oven temp --- convection 375   Regular Oven  400  preheat oven

Spread the dough out and top with your favorite pasta sauce, then cover with cheese and add the pepperoni or other toppings.  Cook for 15 - 20 minutes.    Enjoy!

Happy Holidays

A very special thank you to all who have used this Blog!!  I will be taking a few days off for the Christmas Holiday.  Regular posts will resume on December 27.

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas - Happy Hanukkah - and Happy Kwanzaa!

Aunt B reminds you not drink and drive. She wants you back here reading the blog!!

Thanks!!

Wes

PS - you can of course get DUSTED with DAVIS DUST  - that's legal and it won't harm you or others!! ;o)