A Budget-Friendly New Year's Eve Bash - Fine Cooking Menu

Caviar, lobster, and truffles? That's so 1999. Still, you want to celebrate making it through the oughts. This hors d'oeuvres menu for sixteen does it in style without going overboard. The five appetizers coax big flavors out of inexpensive ingredients (like caramelized onions) while putting the spotlight on splurge items (like shrimp). To keep your booze budget in check, choose one signature cocktail like these not-too-sweet, not-too-dry rosemary gin fizzes, and round it out as needed with beer and wine.


To serve 16, you'll need to double the spinach dip and toast points, and make additional cocktails (though one batch of rosemary syrup should be enough). The shopping list reflects the scaled-up amounts.

Menu

Poached Shrimp with Spicy Mayo and Garlic Breadcrumbs

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Caramelized Onion & Thyme Tarts

Cucumber Rounds with Hummus & Yogurt

Endive Spears with Sweet Potato, Bacon & Chives

Toast Points

Rosemary’s Pink Diamond Fizz

For Shopping List, Timeline and Recipes go to:


A Budget-Friendly New Year's Eve Bash - Fine Cooking Menu