I've never been one much for going out on New Years Eve. I'm pretty much a stay at home, have a few nibbles, watch the ball drop on the telly kind of a gal. I suppose that comes from years of having a huge family and not being able to afford tickets to go out and a baby sitter!
I never minded much and as my children got older it got to be more fun. We would have a nibble buffet of finger foods, and watch some great things on the telly, or play a few board games, and then watch Dick Clark's Rockin New Year's Eve!
Because my ex was a Military Policeman, he used to have to work on New Years Eve anyways, so it was pretty much me and the children on our own celebrating!
We all had our favourite nibbles. I would out a variety of crisps and cheese snacks, cheese and crackers, pickles . . .
Pretzels, mini pizzas, dips and other nibbles and mocktails, of course!
These Sweet & Spicy Pepitas are really tasty. They go down great with drinks and are incredibly moreish.
They are also very easy to throw together and roast, plus you can do them ahead of time which makes them ideal!
Sweet & Spicy Pepitas
Yield: Makes about 8
A little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, a lot moreish. Perfect with drinks, or just as snacking.
ingredients:
- 170g raw pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds) (1 cup)
- 1 TBS pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp each, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- pinch cayenne pepper
instructions:
How to cook Sweet & Spicy Pepitas
- Preheat the oven to 165*C/325*F/ gas mark 3. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
- Measure all of the ingredients into a bag or bowl and toss together to mix, making sure that all of the seeds are coated. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring every five minutes. Allow to cool before transferring to a serving dish or storing in an airtight container.
Another nibble we really like are these Spice Toasted Pecan nuts. I adore Pecans.
Pecan pie has long been my favourite kind of pie, next to lemon meringue of course. I can remember when I was pregnant for my oldest daughter I picked up a frozen one at the store and bought it home. Once it thawed I cut out a piece and savoured every morsel.
It was so good. I was so afraid that I would eat the whole pie myself so I then dumped the rest of it in the bin and then I emptied an ash tray on top of it as well, just to make doubly sure. (Pregnant women . . . you never know!)
It has been a very long time since I have had a pecan pie . . . and I can't say that these toasted pecans are as good as a slice of pecan pie, but I can say that they are mighty tasty as a nibble and quite a bit healthier than a pie!
Spice Toasted Pecans
Yield: About 16
These are deliciously moreish and nice to snack on, or as a nibble with cocktails.
ingredients:
- 240g shelled pecan halves (2 cups)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp mild chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 TBS melted unsalted butter
- 2 TBS soft light brown sugar, packed
instructions:
How to cook Spice Toasted Pecans
- Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Spread the pecans on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for five minutes. Remove from the oven.
- Measure everything else into a glass bowl. Add the warm pecans and toss to coat completely. Pour them back onto the baking sheet.
- Roast for a further 5 to 8 minutes, stiring halfway through the roasting time.
- Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
So what are your favourite nibbles for New Years Eve? Are you a party goer, or do you prefer a more intimate affair?
Of course we are Latter Day Saints so we don't drink alcohol, but I do enjoy a Mocktail or two, or even a glass of punch. Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is also quite nice.
And these tasty nibbles go with all of them! Enjoy and Happy New Year!
