8 Party Recipes to Help Usher in a New Year

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

The last bash of the year calls for some especially festive party food. We’ve picked out a few ideas that turn up the dial when it comes to flavor and presentation — but aren’t too difficult to tackle as you’re wrapping up your end-of-year to-do list. Cheers to a new year!

For a truly “magical” New Year’s Eve, toast with jelly shots that trick the eye. These inspired treats look like fizzy flutes of sparkling wine, but really require a spoon to eat!

Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis

Full Recipe Name: Pea Pesto Crostini

Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiis’ Pea Pesto Crostini, as seen on Foodnetwork.com

FNK Recipe: 

Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA

Show Name: 

Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

GiadaDeLaurentiis_PeaPestoCrostini_H

Chef Name: Giada De LaurentiisFull Recipe Name: Pea Pesto CrostiniTalent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiis’ Pea Pesto Crostini, as seen on Foodnetwork.comFNK Recipe: Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTAShow Name: Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Need a last-minute, easy party app? Giada de Laurentiis’ crostini looks beautiful (that bright green!), relies on ingredients you probably already have, and comes together in just ten minutes.

GORGONZOLA SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
Rachael Ray
30 Minute Meals/Casual New Yearâ  s Eve
Food Network
Frozen Spinach, Frozen Artichoke Hearts, Butter, Garlic, Allpurpose
Flour, Chicken Stock, Milk,
Pepper, Ground Nutmeg, Gorgonzola Crumbles, Asiago or ParmigianoReggiano,
Thick
Sesame Bread Sticks, Celery Hearts, Pita Crisps with Parmesan

GORGONZOLA SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIPRachael Ray30 Minute Meals/Casual New Year’s EveFood NetworkFrozen Spinach, Frozen Artichoke Hearts, Butter, Garlic, AllpurposeFlour, Chicken Stock, Milk,Pepper, Ground Nutmeg, Gorgonzola Crumbles, Asiago or ParmigianoReggiano,ThickSesame Bread Sticks, Celery Hearts, Pita Crisps with Parmesan,GORGONZOLA SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIPRachael Ray30 Minute Meals/Casual New Year’s EveFood NetworkFrozen Spinach, Frozen Artichoke Hearts, Butter, Garlic, AllpurposeFlour, Chicken Stock, Milk,Pepper, Ground Nutmeg, Gorgonzola Crumbles, Asiago or ParmigianoReggiano,ThickSesame Bread Sticks, Celery Hearts, Pita Crisps with Parmesan

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Gorgonzola makes Rachael Ray’s take on this dip even sharper and tangier than a more traditional version. She says it’s a twist “that will make you famous” (among your pals, at least).

Now’s the last time for everyone to gobble up this popular bite before New Year’s resolutions kick in. Ina Garten’s version calls for lamb sausage, a stand-in for cocktail wieners that’s a little more elegant.

Food Nework Kitchen's Holiday One-Offs, New Years Eve Bourbon Pear Pie

Food Nework Kitchen's Holiday One-Offs, New Years Eve Bourbon Pear Pie

Photo by: Kate Mathis ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Kate Mathis, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

It wasn’t enough to spike this pear pie with sweet-and-smoky booze; we also turned the top layer of crust into a star-spangled collage and finished everything off with gold sanding sugar.

(Well) Party FEATURE_ It_s Snowing Dessert!

Photo by: David Malosh

David Malosh

Roll out this new show-stopping cake from Food Network Magazine at midnight, and we bet you’ll be greeted with applause. Dust powdered sugar over the mousse’s chocolate shell topping with the crowd watching — they’ll “ooh” and “aah.”

Ina’s fluffy, 5-star cake is super-moist thanks to sour cream. Layers of streusel in the middle of the cake and on top pack walnuts, brown sugar and cinnamon into every sweet bite.

If you opt to throw a New Year’s Day brunch, you can still celebrate with a little bubbly. Giada pairs Prosecco with colorful homemade fruit purees (easy to make with frozen berries and peaches) for a DIY drink that doubles as a party activity.

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