Appetizers for a New Year's Eve Party

Having a New Year's Eve party? Searching for what sorts of food to prepare?

New Year's Eve is a time for mingling and having fun, so you don't want to serve anything too heavy. Why not try serving an array of finger foods and appetizers? Here are a few delicious suggestions that are sure to keep your guests coming back for more.

Hot Cheese Dip

This recipe is super simple. In fact, it only calls for three ingredients! You'll need:

2 c. mayonnaise (real mayonnaise, like Hellman's, not Miracle Whip)

2 c. (8 oz.) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

1 small onion, grated

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Next, combine the three ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring well. Place the mixture in an ungreased baking dish and bake uncovered for around 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Upon removal from oven, you may need to drain the oil that has liquefied from the cheese. Serve with crusty bread or assorted crackers.

Here is another recipe that looks so elegant, but is so easy to make.

Green Bean Wraps

You'll need:

2 cans whole green beans, drained*

1 package of bacon slices, halved

½ c. brown sugar

½ stick butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap 5-6 beans in a half slice of bacon until all beans are used. Place in casserole dish. Melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat; pour over the bean and bacon wraps. Bake 25-30 minutes. Brown 2-3 minutes to brown bacon.

*Note: At least where I live, the whole green beans are hard to find. I have found that only Del Monte makes them. You may be able to use fresh green beans, but I am uncertain of the cooking time with those. Also you may be able to use cut green beans, but they might not look so pretty. Experiment at your own risk!

Let me know what you think of the recipes if you choose to make them. Happy 2009!