December 31, 2008

Need a last minute appetizer to take to a New Year's Eve Party?  Or maybe you're hosting your own New Year's Eve Party and have decided that you could use another appetizer?  If so, here are a few more very quick and easy last minute ideas.

This first one is a ‘Rachel Ray' spin on the Insalata alla Caprese, which is a real favorite of mine.

Cherry Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Skewers

I container cherry tomatoes
1 pound marinated mozzarella balls
Fresh basil
Short wooden skewers or the longer toothpicks

Take the skewers and just alternate a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. I've added a Kalamata olive, also.  Arrange on a festive plate or on a bed of lettuce leaves and you're done!

It doesn't get any easier than that and it's better than taking a bag of Fritos and a can of bean dip!

Here's one more simple, but festive, cheese spread. BigSis came up with this variation many moons ago!

Homemade Pimiento Cheese Spread

1 small jar chopped pimentos, drained
Kraft or Hellman's mayo (not Miracle Whip!)
1 pound Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. celery salt

Combine cheese with pimentos and seasonings, and enough mayonnaise to moisten mixture and hold it together. Serve in a festive bowl surrounded by crackers of your choice. This cheese is best if you can make it a few hours ahead so the flavors can blend, but don't worry if you make it right before the party. It will still be fantastic!

If you still need a few more ideas, check out The Recipe Girl for a huge selection of hot and cold finger foods.

If you need an idea for a New Year's Eve cocktail, Tyler Florence shows you how to make up two festive champagne cocktails.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year's Eve!

~LilSis