Last December I went to a New Year’s Eve party at a friend’s house, but instead of serving traditional prime rib, she went all out making dozens (yes, dozens) of unique appetizers. She had a few hearty ones that were rich and delicious, but she also made sure to put out a few lighter options too.
I loved them all, and the best part was that I didn’t feel guilty trying a little of everything. Creating a New Year’s Eve buffet with an array of appetizers gives your guests the chance to sample a variety of dishes, like these:
SHRIMP AND CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced red pepper
2 tablespoons chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
4 ounces lump crabmeat
6 to 8 shrimp, cooked and finely diced
6 ounces softened cream cheese
16 large stuffing mushrooms
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup crushed garlic croutons
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Clean mushrooms and remove stems.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and saute onion, celery, and red pepper until soft. Add stock, seasonings, lemon juice and zest. Cook for two minutes, then add crabmeat and shrimp. Mix in cream cheese.
Spoon mixture into mushrooms caps. Sprinkle each mushroom with cheese and croutons.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned.
Serve warm.
PANCETTA AND PEAR BITES
Ingredients:
12 slices pancetta
2 pears
4 ounces of goat cheese, softened
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place pancetta slices on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
When ready to assemble, cut pear into 1/8-inch circles. Place pear slice onto serving platter and top with one teaspoon of goat cheese, and then cover with pancetta.
HOMEMADE HUMMUS
Ingredients:
1 small can chickpeas, drained
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Tahini paste
Salt and pepper
Directions:
In a food processor blend together all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Transfer into bowl and serve with pita chips.
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