Final Hours to the New Year: The Festive Menu.

When it involves hosting gatherings, people tend to separate into a couple of very separate categories: those who enjoy doing it, and people that would choose to do virtually anything else. Staying organized ahead of time is essential, and selecting a few tasty recipes to start the festivities will amuse your guests while you aim to keep the show on the road.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Spicy almond snack

These tangy, spiced nibbles are a excellent match for the vibrant pink grapefruit mocktails featured further down.

Savory Blinis Topped with Salmon and Ricotta

Festive starter with blinis

A scrumptious holiday appetizer that can readily be modified to present with a sweet garnish for younger guests.

Refreshing Grapefruit Mocktails with Cardamom & Lime

Colorful non-alcoholic drink

These beverages are a zesty substitute to alcohol, but also serve as a wonderful mixer for a gin-based drink.

Juniper and Lemon Martinis

Sophisticated martini cocktail

Homemade spirit for a special holiday cocktail, ideal for giving as a present or serving at events.

Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Sumac Onion Salad

Tender lamb dish

Revel in the admiration of this stunning spread – your guests will ever suspect how minimal effort was needed.

Spiced Cranberry and Chocolate Tart

Decadent chocolate cranberry tart

In this rich dessert, puddles of aromatic cranberry sauce are baked into a chocolaty filling for a combination that uses any surfeit of holiday fruit to good purpose.

Glenn Ho
Glenn Ho

A Canadian expat sharing her family's adventures in the Netherlands with humor and heart.