New Year’s Eve is the biggest party of the year, so celebrate yours in style!  In recent blog postings I’ve briefly looked at table decoration and centrepieces- remember we discussed stripping back those bright Christmas colours to reveal a fresher look ready for the New Year?  Well now that the decor is sorted, it’s time to think about what you’ll be serving on the buffet!

Couscous salad 

If you are hosting a party- be it big or small, I find that putting-on a buffet is the best option rather than a sit-down meal.  A buffet enables guests to chat, mingle and snack at their own leisurely pace.  The perfect setting for a successful party!  As the host, you just need to keep an eye on things- ensure glasses are topped-up, food is clearly labelled (people may have allergies or special dietry requirements) and that there are no empty plates.  Enjoy!

Prosciutto and rocket rolls

 Duck and pork terrine with cranberries and pistachios

Sherry trifle 

 Lemon and raspberry meringue tart

Potato salad 

Posted by Emily

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If you’ve yet to get into the festive mood, these snowmen snacks are sure to help you along the way!  They are simple and quick to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy with the family.  After all, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen all Christmas?

Great for both children and adults alike!  

Sandwich snowman

Snowman cake

Marzipan snowmen

Via Good Housekeeping

Posted by Emily

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As Christmas is fast approaching, how about a posh pudding  to ‘wow’ your guests with?!  This iced nougat and raspberry terrine looks delicious and will be a welcome alternative to rich Christmas cake.  I must warn you that it’s packed with calories… but aren’t all good things?!

Via BBC Good Food

Posted by Emily

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I don’t know about you but when I am on a diet I seem to think about food more and ultimately eat more!  I always want to be nibbling something.  Rather than start on the biscuits, opt for something a little more healthy and satisfying such as these yummy dips, below.  Brilliant for parties, too!

Potato skins
Takes 5 min to make + 1 hr 30 min cooking

Preheat the oven to 200 deg., gas 6.
Prick 6 large baking potatoes with a fork and rub with olive oil.
Place directly on the oven shelf and bake for 45 min, until slightly soft. Leave to cool for 15 min.
Cut each potato in half lengthways and then cut in half again. Scoop out the flesh leaving a layer of potato at least 1cm (½in) thick.
Brush lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and bake, skin side down, on a roasting dish, for 30 min, until crisp. Turn over after 15 min. Serve with the dips.

Chunky Mexican guacamole dip
Takes 5 min to make

Halve 1 large avocado, remove the stone and scoop out the flesh.
Mash with 1 crushed garlic clove, the juice of ½ lime, 1tbsp olive oil, ½ red chilli, deseeded and diced
Add 2 finely sliced spring onions, a handful of torn coriander leaves and a little salt.

Soured cream & chive dip
Takes 5 min to make

Combine 1 crushed garlic clove, 1tbsp snipped chives and a large pinch of cayenne pepper with a 142ml tub soured cream.  Season with salt.

Hot tomato & red onion salsa
Takes 5 min to make

De-seed and finely chop 2 medium tomatoes and ½ red chilli.
Combine with ¼ red onion, finely chopped.
Stir in 1tbsp olive oil and a good pinch of salt.

recipes via Ideal Home magazine

posted by Emily

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Crostini with herb toppings would make great finger food at a party and it’s so easy to do.  In fact, I wouldn’t say no to munching these in front of the T.V in the evening!! 

I’m always interested in hearing about new ideas for party food… plain sandwiches and sausage sticks are so passé!  Have you any ideas you’d like to share?

For the crostini you will need:

1 loaf of ciabatta bread, cut into 1cm/½ inch slices
1 large clove of garlic, peeled and cut in half
Extra virgin olive oil

Method:

Grill your slices of ciabatta. While they’re still hot, rub them gently with the cut side of the garlic and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.  Finish with your favourite toppings…

Mixed Herbs topping:

• Get any mixture of soft herbs like fennel tops, green or purple basil, parsley, mint, chervil, thyme tips or sorrel and roughly chop them.
• Take 6 cherry tomatoes and halve them, then rub one of the halves into each of your hot crostini.
• Grate some pecorino or Parmesan over the top and season with salt and pepper.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over your chopped herbs.

recipe via Jamie Oliver.

posted by Emily

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