I’m Enjoying NYE With Me, Myself, & New Year’s Live—These Are The Small-Batch Recipes I’m Making
When the countdown to the New Year begins, there’s only one place I want to be, and only two people I want to be with. During my perfect New Year’s Eve celebration, you can find me sitting on my couch drinking along with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper (on my television screen, of course). Going out on New Year’s Eve means fighting with the crowds and the cold. Throwing a party means making enough appetizers and festive cocktails to serve a crowd. Staying in by yourself equals making the food and drink you really want, no cold weather or awkward conversations required. That being said, I’m only one girl: I can’t take down 6 serving apps and cocktail pitchers all by my lonesome. That’s where these small-batch recipes come in.
These small-batch recipes are perfect if you’re celebrating NYE with yourself or a small crowd, or for any night you want to make a bit special without mountains of leftovers. Speaking of leftovers, many of these recipes are perfect for them: If you make too much, you’re set for easy lunches or dinners all week. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice any traditions here. Our 12 grapes cocktail and black-eyed pea bruschetta make guaranteeing a lucky new year as easy (and delicious) as possible. Are you like CNN, and would prefer no excessive drinking on NYE? Mocktails (like our blood orange mocktail spritzer and grapefruit rosemary mocktail spritz) make it easy to drink all night long without the headache in the morning. Keep reading on for all of my ideas on how to make your small celebration as special (and stress-free) as possible.
12 Grapes Cocktail
In many parts of the world, people eat 12 green grapes in the first sixty seconds of the New Year to bring good luck in the year ahead. Although, speaking from experience, when the clock strikes midnight, 12 grapes doesn't seem such a simple task. Enter a simpler, and tastier option: the 12 grapes cocktail. You will have to open a bottle of Prosecco for this, but come on—it's New Year's after all.
Get the 12 Grapes Cocktail recipe.
Black-Eyed Pea Bruschetta
I love this take on bruschetta not only because it's delicious, but that it also includes a classic New Year's Eve good luck food: black-eyed peas. Simply toss canned black-eyed peas with raw chopped collard greens, bell pepper, scallions, and garlic, and toss with an apple cider vinaigrette. Save any leftovers to enjoy all week long.
Get the Black-Eyed Pea Bruschetta recipe.
Smash Dumplings
Pleating dumplings is a full-on art, but if you’re all fingers and thumbs with a wrapper (like me!), smash dumplings are the way to go. Layered with an aromatic pork and cabbage filling, this effortless take on gyoza is simple enough to whip up any night of the week.
Get the Smash Dumplings recipe.
Pizza Beans Skillet
Tired, hungry, and running low on groceries? Say no to delivery—pizza beans have your back. Featuring simple pantry staples and only 30 minutes of cooking time, this comforting one-pan dinner promises to make any weeknight feel special.
Get the Pizza Beans Skillet recipe.
Blood Orange Mocktail Spritzer
This blood orange and ginger spritzer hits all the right notes: a little sweet, a little sour, and a little spiced. Finished off with a bouquet of fresh garnishes, it’s the perfect winter cocktail mocktail to enjoy all night long.
Get the Blood Orange Mocktail Spritzer recipe.
Antipasto Skewers
Make-ahead friendly and completely customizable, this bite-size appetizer adds a fun presentation to the classic flavors of antipasto. Of course, you can just lay out all the ingredients, but where's the fun in that?
Get the Antipasto Skewers recipe.
Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet
Budget-friendly one-pan dinners are always in season, especially when they use ingredients you probably already have around the kitchen. Butter-toasted chickpeas and seared broccoli are tossed in a rich Alfredo-style sauce made from heavy cream, shallots, garlic, and Parmesan to create this 35-minute skillet dinner that makes a night feel extra special.
Get the Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet recipe.
Dirty Martini Pasta
Penne alla vodka lovers, wake up: A new booze-infused pasta just dropped. But instead of cooking with just liquor, this dirty martini pasta incorporates the components of an entire cocktail. If you feel want to enjoy your fave cocktail without the shaker (or if you want to boost your good luck), then this pasta is a perfect option.
Get the Dirty Martini Pasta recipe.
Reuben Pickle Bites
I'm all about a good reuben sandwich. Creamy dressing, corned beef, Swiss cheese… what’s not to love? That's why these reuben pickle bites are my newest obsession. They’re the perfect bite-size appetizer (and they come together SO fast). No need to prep in bulk, simply make more as you get hungry!
Get the Reuben Pickle Bites recipe.
Sour Patch Grapes
Not about trying to eat 12 grapes at midnight? Then these Jell-O packet-coated grapes are the perfect alternative to snack on all night long. They offer a sweet-tart bite that just might rival your favorite candy.
Get the Sour Patch Grapes recipe.
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