New Year's Recipes and Menus

This is an elegant but very simple menu. Purchase prewashed salad greens, peeled and deveined shrimp and, if desired, refrigerated pie crust for the quiche. Make the dessert the day before and refrigerate. Clean the broccolini in the morning. Set a beautiful and festive table early in the day. The quiche can be served hot or warm, so timing is not a major issue. Serve it with the greens as a first course. The remainder of the menu is quick and easy enough to prepare as needed.

My favorite New Year's Eve presentation is a buffet of finger foods that can be nibbled on throughout the evening. Choose several homemade hors d'oeuvres, dips and spreads from the links, then add a few of your favorite store-bought items. Many hors d'oeuvres can be made ahead and reheated. Dips and spreads can be refrigerated, then brought to room temperature as needed. See the recipes for details. Party sandwiches are delicious and can be made the day before, storing as indicated. Alternately, present a platter of deli meats and cheeses with rolls and condiments. If desired, purchase pastries from the bakery to serve with, or in place of, the Christmas cookies. For large parties, include beer, red and white wines, and several liquors for mixed drinks. You will need soft drinks and coffee for the designated drivers, as well as champagne for toasting at midnight.

My Pennsylvania Dutch heritage dictates that pork and sauerkraut be included in the New Year's Day dinner. For extra luck, I add a few southern dishes that conveniently complement the meal. Make the cake and cornbread the day before. Refrigerate the cooled cake and wrap the cornbread in foil. Cook the apples and refrigerate. The sweet potatoes can be assembled the day before and refrigerated. New Year's Day, all you need to do is roast the pork, cook the sauerkraut, bake the sweet potatoes, cook the peas, collard greens and mashed potatoes, which sounds like a lot but is very simple. Check the recipes for time requirements. If desired, warm the cornbread in the oven while the roast is resting. The apples can be served cold or room temperature. Bring the dessert to room temperature. If you are making gravy, do that while the roast rests, keeping the other dishes warm on the stovetop or in a low oven. That is it. Enjoy, have a happy day and good luck for the new year!