I hope everyone has been enjoying this Holiday season with friends and loved ones. As we approach the New Year. I could focus on this past years food favorites or what to look forward to in 2012. Before I start making New Year’s resolutions or think about healthy ways to eat, I would like to enjoy New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day ( and few days worth of Bowl games beyond ).

New Year’s Day is a big day for dining out, if you haven’t made reservations at this point you should get on the phone before any remaining openings are gone. In fact according to the National Restaurant Association, 20% of Americans say they are going to a restaurant or bar for New Years Eve. In addition 22% say they are going to be ordering takeout or delivery on that day.

Of course that means many of you will be enjoying the holiday from the comforts of home. I find a fun way to enjoy it is with an appetizer party for 1 or ?? After all Champagne goes perfectly with a large number of flavorful small bites. It doesn’t have to be complicated as any grocery store frozen aisle is full of a wide variety of ready to go apps. You can always make your own variety of treats. Having a party? Have all your guests bring a couple appetizers, a potluck style appetizer party is always enjoyable!

A super elegant app that is a take on fruit and cheese is to simply buy some seedless grapes, goat cheese and nuts. Even easier if you buy all ready chopped nuts. Take a small amount of goat cheese in your hand and a grape and roll it around until the goat cheese totally coats it then roll in your chopped nuts. A perfect pairing with Champagne!

Cheese and Charcuterie (prosciutto, sausages, etc) are always easy and tasty. Mini Quiches are a fairly easy option. And don’t forget to add some mini desserts. Chocolate is an amazingly good pairing with Champagne as the acidity and bubbles cut its richness.

Smoked Salmon Avocado Crostini

12 slices french bread brushed with olive oil and lightly toasted

2 avocados

1 tbsp capers

2 tsp lemon juice

1 clove of garlic chopped

6 oz smoked salmon

1/2 a small red onion diced fine

Mash together your avocado, garlic, lemon juice, and capers until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Spread avocado mixture on your crostini and top with slices of smoked salmon and your diced red onion.

Caprese Bites

Makes 24

12 Cherry tomatoes (cut in half)

Fresh Mozzarella cheese

12 Large basil leaves (cut lengthwise)

12 Salami, deli slice (cut in half)

Olive oil

Salt

Toothpicks

To assemble, place half of a tomato and a piece of mozzarella together. Wrap with a half of basil leaf and then half of a piece of salami. Secure with a toothpick. Lay on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

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