COUNT DOWN TO 2018
WITH EASY, LAST-MINUTE NIBBLES
New Year’s Eve typically reveals two types of people: the party animal who wants to be in the center of all the action and the homebody whose idea of excitement is deciding whether to rock in the new year with Ryan Seacrest on ABC or CNN’s Anderson Cooper.
Those in the first category love nothing more than counting down the minutes at the biggest, loudest party they can find. The latter just want a comfy spot on the couch, with a tempting array of finger foods to keep them company while watching the ball drop on Times Square.
This story is for the those who don’t need to leave the house to have a good time and are looking for easy yet amazing appetizers to set next to the chips on the coffee table.
If you like to munch all night long, how does a bowl of sweet-and-spicy toasted mixed nuts sound? Seasoned with chopped fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of cayenne, they’re on par with that silver bowl of nuts you might get at a swanky bar only better, because you can go heavy on the cashews.
If dips are more your style, nothing is better than a warm and gooey chili con queso — that addictive blend of roasted chilies and melted cheese that is ubiquitous in the Southwest.
For bigger appetites, there is always the mini Reuben that sets up shop in a homemade pretzel bun. You can prepare the buns earlier in the day and then assemble and toast them when there’s a lull in the live broadcast.
And finally, because 2017 should end on a sweet note — might we suggest cheesecake bites for an easy dessert? But instead of the traditional graham cracker bottom, why not feed your chocolate addiction with an Oreo crust? It comes together in minutes, and then you have the rest of the cookie package to dunk in milk on New Year’s Day. A spoonful of jammy raspberry topping is the crowning touch and a harbinger of the cheery times to follow in 2018.
Happy New Year!
Gretchen McKay: gmckay@post-gazette.com, 412263-1419 or on Twitter @gtmckay.