New Year’s Eve Menu

2009 is coming to a close. Our calendars will need to be changed, reflecting the new year, 2010, that will hopefully be full of great things for many. To help start your year out on a positive note, I have put together a menu for your New Year’s festivities made up of items from Tokyo Terrace. These can almost all be done in advance (with the exception of the drinks) and are easily made for large groups. Click on the links below for the recipes! Here’s to a happy New Year for you all! Kanpai!

Cocktails

Pomegranate-Spiked Champagne

A beautiful, festive way to ring in the new year. Simply add pomegranate juice to your champagne along with some pomegranate seeds that are lifted by the bubbles to the top of the glass.

Sparkling Sangria with Cranberry and Orange

Vibrant colors make this sangria a perfect punch to serve in a large glass bowl.

Shibuya Punch

A simple, lively, alcohol-free possibility made with pomegranate juice, vodka (optional), mint and tonic water.

Sparkling Grapefruit

The bright, tart flavor of pink grapefruit paired with sweet ginger-ale is an easy cocktail to serve for any party. Another visually stunning drink that dresses up the party spread!

Martini Bar

What could be easier than a do-it-yourself martini bar? Your only job is to set up the tools for your guests to make their own fun martinis! Make sure to read about the decorating tips in the post to make the bar really elegant and fun.

Small Bites

Sweet Potato Chips with Miso Dipping Sauce

These chips and dip are a healthy addition to the menu and can be made a day in advance. Make sure to let the chips cool completely and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Bell Pepper Bites

These ridiculously easy and tasty bite-sized bell pepper snacks are colorful and easy to prepare. Just cut the bell peppers the night before, then pop them in the oven per the recipe just before guests arrive.

Oven Roasted Tomato & Goat Cheese Spread

This creamy, tangy goat cheese spread is well-balanced with sweet, juicy oven-roasted tomatoes. Roast the tomatoes a day or two before your party and you will have an elegant and delicious appetizer ready in no time on party day!

Empanadas

There are so many great things to say about these empanadas. Because they are baked rather than fried, you can assemble and cook them the day before the party, leaving only a quick reheat for the big day to crisp the crust and warm the filling. Pop them in a 315F oven for about 15-20 minutes and you’re all set!

Scallop & Corn Gyoza

The filling for these delicious gyoza can be made the day before. Get a helper to fill the wrappers and seal them the quick and easy way with a fork. The best way to make them in large batches is to steam them rather than pan fry them (makes them healthier too!)

Desserts

Rustic Pear Tart

Make this super simple crust for the pear tart a day or two before. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Let the dough sit for a few minutes before rolling it out to ensure it doesn’t crack. Honestly, this is the easiest dessert I’ve ever made and I find it doable to make 2 for the day of a party.

Lemon Curd & Espresso-Chocolate Ganache Mini Tarts

This great recipe from The White on Rice Couple works perfectly in miniature servings. The light, creamy flavor of the lemon curd is an amazing pairing with the rich espresso-chocolate ganache.

Brown Sugar Shortbread with Fig Jam

This is another great do-ahead recipe! You can roll up the logs of cookie dough and cook them as you need them, or make a batch or two the day before the party that are ready to put out on the table at a moment’s notice! Use any kind of jam you have on-hand.