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Appy-tizing New Year’s Eve Recipes

Crab-Artichoke Dip

Oh hello 2015… I see you sneaking up on me. How can the new year be here already? It seems like only last week I was planning last year’s New Year’s Eve party!

For the menu this year, I am going to heavy-up on appetizers. They are easy to eat while holding a drink, and allow everyone to try a bit of this and that. Rest assured, I’ve chosen some tasty appetizer recipes!

There aren’t enough adjectives to fully describe how much I enjoyed Sherri Logan Williams’ Beef Tenderloin Crostini. “I love to entertain with family and friends,” shares Sherri. “This is one of my many hors d’oeuvre I love to make. They are so easy.” These crostini are savory, creamy, hearty and delicious. Guests will be raving about these for days.

William Smith’s Tomato Bacon Bon Bons with Bacon Taziki Sauce is another dish everyone will be talking about! There is bacon in every layer – a bacon lovers dream. Grape tomatoes (stuffed with bacon cream cheese) are encrusted with a mix of sausage and bacon. Then, it’s all fried. How could these not be amazing? And, the taziki sauce adds that last level of flavor. A fun, impressive appetizer.

“These are so yummy, I have yet to see anyone refuse [these], says Juanita Morrow of her Spicy Mexican Wraps. “You can’t eat just one!” Don’t let the ease of this recipe fool you. These wraps are delicious. And, you probably have most of the ingredients in the pantry if you’re looking for a last-minute recipe.

Joanne DiPalo’s Spinach and Bacon Tart is quick and easy to fix – perfect for a party. I loved the mix of flavors. Baby spinach, bacon and cheese bake on top a sheet of puff pastry… so savory. Next time I may try sprinkling some balsamic vinegar over it after it comes out of the oven. Yum!

Tammy Longbrake’s Crab Salad is a versatile recipe. You can serve it alongside crackers and it’ll be a hit. But, you could also use it as a spread or make tea sandwiches. “I have taken it to some bring a dish dinners and [I] always come back empty bowl in hand,” explains Tammy. It’s easy to prepare and the Cajun spice gives it a slight kick. You may want to have this recipe handy to share with guests.

What party is complete without some sort of dip? I love Nicole Darty’s addition of crab to her Crab-Artichoke Dip. It takes a traditional artichoke dip and elevates the flavors to another level. If you’re not a big fan of dill, cut back a bit on the measurement. It will still be delish, but without the heavy dill flavor. Serve this warm with some toasty crostini and I think you’ll have an empty dish before the night is over.

New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect on the past year and anticipate what the new year will bring. I know I’m looking forward to reading the new, wonderful recipes y’all share. What are some things you’re looking forward to in 2015? I’d love to know!