2014 has been quite the journey for us since the conception of Melissa’s Foodies. From learning all about truffles and hatch chiles to mastering plum galettes, our blog was created to help readers around the world discover the many different treasures that can be found in the culinary world. . It’s been one amazing year and now, it’s time to usher in a new one in style.
New Year’s Eve is all about the glamour and sparkle, and with so many fabulous soirees to attend, how does one make their own cocktail party stand out against the rest? Now’s the time to impress so don’t be afraid to go all out and get festive with plenty of bubbly libations and delectable finger foods. After all, what better way to ring in the new year than with a bang?
Drinks
Besides the traditional bubbly champagne making its appearance at cocktail parties, sparkling, fruity cocktails also make elegant refreshments for celebrating the New Year. To really kick things up a notch, combine your favorite sparkling wine or champagne with fresh fruit juices. Here are a few of our favorite drinks for mixing things up and getting the party started.
2010 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs
A timeless choice for sparkling wine, the Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs was America’s first commercially produced Chardonnay-based brut wine. The 2010 release is vibrant, fruity and crisp and boasts fresh aromas of green apple, pineapple and grapefruit. This wonderful wine pairs beautifully with seafood appetizers and hard cheeses, making it a festive option for enjoying at a formal dinner or any cocktail party.
The flavors of sparkling wine are beautifully balanced with the sweet and tart flavors of fresh passion fruit juice, making it festive with a tropical twist. Simply extract the juice by scooping out the pulp and blending, seeds and all. Run the blended mixture through a sieve to separate the seeds from the juice.
No New Year’s Eve bash is complete without sangria present. A light and bubbly sangria is perfect for starting off a festive night. The secret ingredient in our White Sangria is in the splash of brandy, which enhances any white wine you may choose. Add red and green grapes for garnish.
Who says mimosas are only for brunch? Blood oranges are fabulous this season and give such gorgeous color to cocktails. Add fresh blood orange juice to your favorite sparkling wine and mix with a splash of Grand Mariner and a pinch of sugar. This is truly a cocktail worth celebrating.
Believe it or not, homemade ginger ale is quite simple. For those who don’t feel like boozing on New Year’s Eve, amber ginger ale, also known as ginger beer, makes a wonderful non-alcoholic option. This spicy, sweet and bubbly refreshment gets plenty of flavor from the ginger root.
Hors d’oeuvres and Appetizers
Arugula Pesto Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms 
Bite-sized and easy to pick up, stuffed mushrooms are always a foolproof finger food to serve at parties. Filled with a simple homemade pesto made with peppery arugula, pine nuts, garlic and an assortment of dried mushrooms, these elegant little appetizers are so ridiculously scrumptious and are sure to be snatched up by your guests quickly.
No matter the occasion, deviled eggs always seem to find a place at every party. Sprinkled with our Hatch Chile powder in place of paprika, this recipe is our spicy take on a classic with a little kicked up twist. Guests will be asking you the secret to these fabulous party treats. We won’t tell if you won’t.
Baguette Toasts with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Our own version of crostino which is also known as ‘little toasts’, these crunchy pieces of sliced baguette are topped with our Sun Dried Tomatoes and goat cheese. The sweetness of the tomatoes coupled with smooth tanginess of the goat cheese makes this dish a luxurious option for guests.
Texas Caviar with Blackeyed Peas
Traditionally eaten around New Year’s Eve and during the New Year, blackeyed peas are a Southern tradition that symbolizes luck and prosperity. Our Texas Caviar is a simple way to enjoy them to help ring in the New Year. Serve alongside tortilla chips to give this dish a fun Southwestern feel.
Shrimp and Piquillo Pepper Crostini
The cool thing about crostinis are you can top them with just about anything and they often work beautifully. Plus, they’re the easiest way to make your spread look extra fancy. Try topping yours with shrimp, melted Cheddar cheese and our sweet and spicy Pimiento del Piquillo Peppers.
Martin Yan’s Daikon Chicken Tacos
Tacos make great party food but may be too heavy for an evening full of appetizers, cocktails and dancing. Keep things light with these tasty chicken tacos. Wrapped in a thin shaving of Daikon Radish and flavored with a lime, honey and white wine vinegar dressing, these are low in calories with lots of flavor.
How will you be celebrating the New Year? Will you be hosting or attending any New Year’s Eve bash? What are your favorite things to eat and drink during New Year’s?