It will be just us this year and I am still not decided!

Definite:

Deviled Lobster Tail
Fennel Salad
Broccoli in a Walnut Garlic Sauce

Thinking about adding baked clams, poached shrimp, or shell steaks...I have to go shopping - Jordan's Lobster Farm was crazy yesterday. Hey - my sister is also around the corner - maybe she'll have dessert:)

Happy New Year!

I'm pulling out the china and silver (sitting unused for maybe 20 years or so......) for Yasou (Oly) and her family!

Appetizers - Blue cheese gougeres, with a simple crudite of fresh veggie sticks, a dip (bean or eggplant haven't decided), Graber olives

Cream of Sunchoke soup (I'm addicted to those! They taste more 'artichoky' than the real thing, without all the muss/fuss/fibers)

Ceasar salad from scratch (DH's latest daily craving)

Individual ramekins with fish/krab (fake stuff)

Butternut squash risotto

Mixed pearl onions, glazed

Lightly steamed snow peas

Oly is bringing dessert, of course. I was going to make MLCs but my ramekins will be full of the fish stuff! (I need a better name for that recipe)

And I haven't figured out what to feed the kids. We'll probably have dinner 7:00ish and crash at 10:00. I'm too old to stay up until midnight, I like my sleep.

Happy New Year everyone!

Just the two of us up at the cottage.

Late this PM in front of the fireplace.... cheese fondue

A little later in the hot tub.....shrimp and cocktail sauce floating in a bowl of ice along with champagne

A little latter....filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce, garlic mashed and asparagus. No dessert

A little latter......; )

oh SHaron, oo la la!!!!! Sounds fantastic!!! no dessert - he he he - yeah, right...;-)

Jessica - wow! That's wonderful that you're using the good stuff finally! And your menu sounds wonderful...except the fish stuff...hmmmm. I'll have to try to think of a name for it too, as I've saved it and want to make it - looks good. What about seafood ramekins?

maggie, enjoy your quiet evening - how do you make deviled lobster tail?

Sue, sounds like a wonderful evening - what a menu!!! I'll be making crap cakes...:-)

We always have alaskan king crab legs for NYE...Scott and Will at least. I let them have most of it. They usually save one big hunk of it for me. :-)

But I am going to crack some before and make some nice chunky crab cakes - only 3 or 4 though.

Will's friend Sydney is coming up to spend the night as her parents are going out. We'll have fun. We'll rent a couple movies - may go ice skating early, then settle in for crab, samosa pot pie, a few other snacks, champagne, sparkling grape juice, noisemakers, hats, poppers, Will stayed up til midnight last year for the first time and is excited about it...:-)

Happy New Year!
Stacy

Jessy - That fish stuff (lobster pot? fish pot?) looks great. I love the fake crab meat, I use it for sushi all the time, but I always have to save the wrapper because someone (DH) always challenges me on the kashrut!

Stacy, I think ice skating might be on our agenda today as well. DH put a rink up in the backyard, but it hasn't been cold enough this week so it's more like a giant puddle right now, maybe tomorrow though. I'll have to post a picture. It's pretty funny to see.

Chase, I'm so jealous of your hot tub. One came with the house, "as is", and we haven't tried it out yet. It looks to be a mess and we're trying to decide if we should replace just the motor or the whole darn thing. It's not really top of the list though, and it's a long, long list. Right now it makes a nice counter for summer cookouts.

I'm glad to see this thread because we are having a last minute get together. It's been such a busy winter break with us being out late with the kids every night, I was anticipating a quiet night at home. Now we're having 3 other families over with their kids. How the hell did that happen? I'm not even sure. I think Lulu did it.

So, the plan is that J will take the kids to a few first night activities in Westport, meet the other families to watch fireworks at 7pm, and then come back here for food and libations.

I planned the menu last night on the way home from the Canadiens Rangers game. DH and the kids are big, big Montreal fans.

So, here's what I have so far. I'm going heavy on small plates because people won't be here until 7:30.

cheeses, crackers & spreads (artichoke dip, tapenade, etc)
crudite
baked brie
chips, salsa

main
falafel, hummos, tahina, etc.. (my friend is picking up from a place in Brooklyn)
tuna satay with wasabi mayo
small sushi platter
for the kids - pizzas from Stew Leonard's

dessert
trays of fudge, truffles asst. chocolates
cookies
flan (another friend is bringing)

We also have about 6 different kinds of champagnes and sparking wines to try. I was going to make a punch, but I think that the champagne we have is too expensive and DH will be mad if I mix it.

Happy New Year everyone!

AM

This is the only holiday that we cater from a local deli we have 35-40 so we get the big hero salads buffalo wings we do more like a tailgate munchie party...everyone likes it so whatever works!

Grilled cheese and a bowl of soup with a fire in the fireplace.

This is my favorite holiday for DOING NOTHING. I love getting a holiday for no reason at all. I get a day and half off from work, and I added another half day so I got a four day weekend. Of course, my son asked me to help him move, so I've been busy after all.

I haven't gone out for New Years in 10 years or more. My XH and I used to take the kids out for dinner early New Years, and it was fun, but now he is gone and the kids are grown.

After this busy year, it's the perfect way to start the New Year.

Just the two of us ... I am thinking of making Lou's pizza, or maybe popcorn, got some organic from the market :)

Happy New Year !

Every ones menus sound delicious. We are going with the soup and sandwiches here. There will be some munchies later. Just the two of us as planned. New Years Eve is a double celebration for us. 28 years ago on New Years Eve I asked my DH to marry me. I am one of the luckiest people on this earth because his answer was yes.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!

Linda

Pizza and champagne!

aww, Linda, how romantic...:-) Enjoy.

Carol, pizza sounds good - I may add it to the menu.

Oh Sharon, I like the sound of your evening. Somethng to be said for a quiet evening for two. My favourite kind.

Sue, wonderful menu. I'd want to be one of the guys though so I could have the mashed potatoes.

Stacy, I love your menu. I'd be happy with everything that you are serving.

Jessica thanks for linking the recipes. I think that the halibut ramekins sound delicious.

Arabella, I like the sound of the tuna wasabi too.

We are having our traditional New Years Eve dinner. Just the two of us. I'm picking up live lobsters and hopefully some fresh asparagus and we will be drinking Champagne. And we will probably be asleep long before midnight. LOL!

Happy New Year!!!!

Ann

Stacy - here is the lobster (new recipe for me):

Deviled Lobster Tails

2 teaspoons Salt
4 (about 10 oz each) frozen Lobster Tails
4 tablespoons Butter
4 Green Onions, sliced
2 tablespoons Flour
1 1/2 cups Half and Half
1/4 cup Cocktail Sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Hot Pepper Sauce
1/3 cup unseasoned Dry Bread Crumbs

Bring water to boil with 2 teaspoons of salt. Add lobster tails; return to boil. Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until lobster shells turn red and meat is opaque. Immediately plunge lobster tails into cold water to stop cooking. Lobster will not be thoroughly cooked, but will continue to cook during baking step.

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Melt butter in medium saucepan; add onions and cook about 2 minutes. Add flour; cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add half and half, stirring constantly. Bring to boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add cocktail sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the hot pepper sauce; mix well. Remove from heat.

With kitchen scissors, cut and remove membrane from under side of each lobster tail - discard. Remove lobster meat; cut into chunks (reserve shell). Add meat to sauce and mix well. Return mixture to shells. Place on ungreased baking sheet - place small crumbled pieces of foil between tails if they look like they will tip over.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and add the bread crumbs; mix well. Sprinkle over lobster mixture. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated and bread crumbs are brown.

It is just Joe and I this year but I am very excited to make dinner.

We will start with vodka martini's with olives stuffed with blue cheese.

Appetizer is Sharon's Raclette in Puff Pastry with Fig Sauce.

Tossed salad with green goddess dressing. I've never made GG dressing and I am looking forward to it.

Main Course is another of Sharon's recipes, her Beef Stroganoff. We've not had it since last winter and it is time!

Dessert...well I was going to have something with fresh strawberries but the berries did not look very good. Maybe I will whip up my Lemon pudding cakes but then I still need strawberries. Oh well, maybe I will run to the another store and see how their strawberries look. Hmmmm....I do have blueberries that I froze last summer!

Michelle

So glad to see other souls will be safe and sane in bed before midnight.

Tonight I will be having......leftovers:

crostini with roasted red pepper spread
mushrooms stuffed with sausage, topped with cheese and baked
mini penne pasta with broccoli, shrimp, and scallops
lemon and raspberry sorbet for dessert
and a glass or two of wine!

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Teresa

sending out for Chinese.

that was the tradition when I was growing up and I like to continue it. Dh thought we were a little crazy when he first arrived in the family (having grown up in the restaurant boonies) But obviously we aren't the only ones as the restaurants always have a huge back-up--like 1-1 1/2 hours as opposed the the ususal 10-15 min!

Now that we have kids, we just have a really early supper on NYE, before the restaurants get backed up. :-)

Maggie2094,

I guess you're here on the island....we're in RVC. I don't recall if we connected on our proximity to each other.

Sue

Just the 2 of us tonight-- we were going to go to camp for a couple days but my RA is flaring badly & no way can I do that ride--

So were doing chestnuts roasted in the wood stove here instead of the fireplace at camp.

Spinach/ orange & red onion salad
Asparagus/roasted red pepper risotto

And was going to do just broiled lobster tails but that recipe of Maggie's sounds way better.

Doubt we'll make it to midnight either.

Have a safe,sane NY's Eve all.

Diane

Nope, I'll never make it until midnight. After having owned a bar for 10 years or so, I maintain that New Year's celebrations in bars are strictly for amateurs, LOL.

At any rate, Elery and I both work today and he works tomorrow too, so it'll be some roasted veggies for me tonight, and tomorrow I'm taking down the Christmas tree, packing up the decorations and shampooing the rug, to have a clean start to a new year. Tomorrow's supper will be black eyed peas for luck and greens to assure prosperity. It hasn't worked yet, at least the greens part, but there's always hope. (grin)

Happy New Year!

Annie

Annie, last year I fell asleep on the couch, and that was with company here :) Nothing stops a nap!

It's funny, we used to leave the kids home and go out, now they go out, and we're home!

AM, just wanted to say, those tuna wasabi skewers are so good! Made them for a girl's luncheon, big hit!

Maggie, stop at Paddy's for a cocktail until the line clears a little :)

Just wanted to stop back and wish you all a very Happy New Year! Enjoy, whatever plans or no plans you have!

Carol

Reservations!

LOL, Carol. Last year I went to Amanda's house, she had about a dozen people there. Some left at 11:30 to go to a local bar, Ashley and Amanda were sleeping on each end of the couch, the rest were playing cards. Makayla and I stayed awake, watched the ball drop, I got the first New Year's kiss from the Monkey Princess and then I woke my girls up and we went home.

Annie

We've not made it to midnight since 2000, Joe fell asleep and I wanted to watch my computer change over to 2000.

I just made the Green Goddess Dressing for tonight....OMG it is delicious!! Although I'm not a salad person, I can't wait to eat this!

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Michelle

Michelle, I'm not a salad eater either. But if your Green Goddess Dressing is that good, I want the recipe too. Please share.

Ann

Ya know..I haven't figured it out..hmmm..
How bad is that? LOL

I guess I better get on it..

Everyone's plans sound great..nice enjoyable and personal!

I bought some sparkling flavored ciders..and a small package of "poppers" for the boys..(They don't know this part yet..but have been BEGGIN for them.)

Pizza sounds like a good idea though...

Terri, I love sparkling grape juice and we always have it at family dinners but I did not think to get some for tonight.

Ann, I just happened to catch the Barefoot Contessa last week and she made the Green Goddess dressing. It just sounded so good to me...well anything with a c. of fresh basil suits me just fine! This is a very refreshing and just plain GOOD salad dressing.

Basil Green Goddess Dressing

1 cup good mayonnaise
1 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts (6 to 7 scallions)
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons and see My Note)
2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)
2 teaspoons anchovy paste
2 teaspoons kosher salt (see note)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup sour cream

Salad:

3 heads Bibb lettuce
2 to 3 tomatoes

Place the mayonnaise, scallions, basil, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the sour cream and process just until blended. (If not using immediately, refrigerate the dressing until ready to serve.)

Cut each head of lettuce into quarters, remove some of the cores, and arrange on 6 salad plates. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and add to the plates. Pour on the dressing and serve.

NOTES: I did not add any salt to this recipe due to the
anchovy paste. Also, I got a 1/4 c. juice from just half a lemon and a small lemon at that!

Michelle

Cosmo's

Hummus with Mediterranian toppings (Costco)
Cheeses
Cranberry Salsa
Spinach dip
Flatbread

Salad with Disaronno-balsamic vinegar and toasted almonds

Prime Rib
Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Gravy or Aujus
Bacon wrapped asparagus

Assorted Cheesecakes
Coffee

Then off to another party later....if not napping!

Happy New Years to ALL!!!

Sliced turkey breast with gravy, cranberry sauce and sautéed asparagus for dinner. Homemade whole wheat pita chips with guacamole and a glass of sparkling cider for later.

Well, here it is dinner time and we are just having the hors d'oervres that I planned to serve before a dinner of grilled rib eye steaks, sauteed mushrooms, baked potatoes and pear/walnut/spring greens salad. We planned on having 4 of us for dinner, but my friend got sick. So my hubby and her hubby are watching football while eating the apps, and we'll all probably crash before midnight too! We plan to make the steaks tomorrow.

We had a lovely dinner at a dear friend's house. She had shrimp, pate and hummus as appetizers then I brought Anthony Bourdain's Mushroom Soup with sherry(good!), she made a leg of lamb with carrots, onions and potatoes that was delicious and for dessert I brought good, dark chocolate which we melted and dipped fresh strawberries that were amazing *shock^ and dried apricots, candied ginger and sliced pears. We began drinking with martini's and moved to a wonderful Central Coast red blend and finished with Schramsburg Champagne. It was a great evening!! Happy New Year to all!!

We always have NYE dinner at home, do it up big (using the "it's still cheaper than going out for NYE" excuse! lol!), and usually try to make some new, aka complicated recipes. This year, just jumping back into the whole cooking thing (reno'd our kitchen last year), and DH working NYE day for the first time in years, we kept it pretty simple:

Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Toasted Head Chardonnay

First course:

Jumbo shrimp cocktail w/cocktail sauce (homemade by the fish store)

Paddlefish Caviar w/toast points

Salad:

Mache salad w/sauteed pears (Silver Palate Good Times cookbook)

Main course:

Lobster stuffed with crabmeat (prepared by fish store, baked at home)

Salt custed baked potatoes

Roasted cauliflower w/green olives and pine nuts (from this forum)--yum!

Dessert:

Two chocolate endpaper tartlets (filling: Martha Stewart, tarlet shells: my own recipe--a combo of Julia Child's from Way to Cook and Gourmet or Bon Appetit recipe) w/raspberry sauce and orange sauce, and homemade whipped cream

Sue, good to have you back.
We got home from vacation last night, so my New Year's Eve menu will be whatever leftovers you guys may have.

Happy New Year!

Sol

Wow, what great menus...simple to spectacular...

I must say that of all that I served last night, the baked clams were my favorite. It wasn't looking too good in the prep stage when the 10 or so of the clams weren't cooperating and I had to microwave them for a minute to get them to open - that sure showed them.

The breadcrumbs came out perfectly crunchy, with just the right amount of garlic and seasonings - they were light as a feather and gone in a flash.

The clams and shrimp salad were a great, light prelude to the rich braised short ribs. I made 16 ribs for 6 people (what was I thinking) but they're so rich even the men only ate one each. I'll know better for next time - although I doubt it. I prefer to have too much than too little.

I hope you all enjoyed your meals. Anything you'd change or lessons learned you'd like to share???

Sue

Hi Sue,

Yes - we are neighbors - I'm cookingLB - LOL! My nephew goes to St. Agnes. I'm in RVC all the time.

The clams were the best out of our meal, too but I bought them - at least they were "homemade" by the fish guy! Yours sound great. The deviled lobster tail was very good but as often happens with me - I decided I prefer it straight up.

Not the greatest pics - was in a rush.

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Crafty, did you make it? Hope you are feeling well.

I always wanted to try braised short ribs.

Well, all six of us made it to midnite here and really enjoyed the evening! Fred played the piano for us to sing with and we had a wonderful time and many laughs - he knows a lot of my favorite Irish songs plus my favorite Broadway tunes and if he hears just a little bit of ant song, he can pick it up and play it. I woke up this morning still singing I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen.

We enjoyed Tobygirl's Clam Casino Hot Spread, Alexa's Robust Cheese Toasts and Ken's Swedish Meatballs with Pomegranate Martinis, then on to Sue's Pork Tenderloin stuffed with spinach and Jarlsberg cheese with a green and pink peppercorn mushroom gravy, green beans almondine and tattoo potatoes and Donn's Delight Blue Cheese dressing from LindaC on our salad, Ginger's Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake and lots of Prosecco at midnite! This morning we had Ginger's Company Brunch casserole made with English muffins - first time I have ever loved a bread strata - and Paula Deen's pineapple upside down biscuits and fruit salad. The clam spread and the cheesecake were the biggest hits! Thanks so much for the great recipes and Happy New Year everybody!