5 Perfect New Year's Eve Appetizers

I've never been one to go out and party hard on New Year's Eve. In fact, nearly every year I prefer to stay in, play card games, and eat snacky foods washed down with sips of champagne. There is something about ringing in the New Year that way that feels cozy and comfy and it fits just right. Like a warm pair of slippers. When we lived in Japan, Brad and I went to the neighborhood shrine to celebrate with cloudy, white, unfiltered, delicious sake. The last year we lived in Tokyo, we attempted to venture out but our barely 1 month old little boy was not feeling it. I wrapped him in his baby wrap and he clawed at my neck and screamed at the top of his very tiny, extremely noisy lungs until we gave up and turned around to head back home. This year, we will be laying low. My bulging belly is not up for a night out and I'm pretty sure seeing a pregnant woman almost ready to pop is a buzz kill for most people who are out looking for a good time. Just a guess. In the spirit of keeping it cozy, I wanted to share 6 of my favorite New Year's Eve appetizers from the site that would be perfect for ringing in 2015.

And also, I would like to present the bulging belly I mentioned above. Just 2 1/2 more weeks to go!

OK- moving on to deliciousness...

1. Preserved Lemon Relish

This is one of my all-time favorite condiments to have in the refrigerator. It's perfect with smoked salmon and crackers. The flavors are fresh and clean and provide a nice change from the typical richness of holiday appetizers.

2.Smoked Salmon in Endive Cups

Endive leaves are the perfect vessel for hearty, flavorful dips and spreads. Their crispness is a welcome contrast to the creamy smoked salmon dip and helps satisfy that crunchy craving otherwise fulfilled by chips.

3. Skillet White Chili Dip

I'm a sucker for a good dip. This one has been a favorite since I first made it about a year ago. We love it on game days and for an easy, crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

4. Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish with Savory Cheesecake

This is one of the most beautiful appetizers for the holidays. The vibrant color of the fresh and dried cranberries alongside the bright green cilantro is festive and a stunning dish to add to your appetizer line-up. The savory cheesecake is flavored with a little garlic and adds a nice, creamy contrast to the spicy-tart relish.

5. Tennessee Pimento Cheese Crostini

Pimento cheese + toast + slices of tart green apple. Perfection. And, lucky for all of  us, The Pioneer Woman just posted a fabulous looking recipe for pimento cheese that would be perfect for this party app!

And there you have it! The perfect selection of appetizers for snacking on during a cozy night in or with a group of your very favorite people on New Year's Eve.

Here's to a great New Year! Sending love to you all, wherever you may be and however you are celebrating. Cheers!

Cocktail Friday: Mocktail Party!

I'm constantly on the hunt for fun drinks that are non-alcoholic right now. I'm constantly drinking water and it gets so. exhausting. So today, in the hopes that some of you out there are looking for something similar, I've put together three of my favorite non-alcoholic beverages along with some of my favorite appetizers so you can host your own Mocktail Party! First up is this beautiful and dramatic Blackberry-Vanilla Mocktail. I posted this over on La Fuji Mama a while back and it is one of my favorite drinks. You can use any fruit you'd like. Peaches would be dreamy!

And to snack on alongside this lovely beverage? I recommend my Homemade Cheese Crackers. They are completely addicting! Plus, they are 100% adult AND kid-friendly.

Next up is a healthy and unique Cardamom Lassi. This recipe comes to us via my art director/graphic designer sister, Rebecca, who contributed some beautiful cocktails to the site for a few weeks. This just might be my favorite. Creamy yogurt, refreshing cardamom, and the knowledge that you are drinking something delicious and good for your body is priceless.

A drink like this deserves an appetizer that is equally healthy and fresh like this Preserved Lemon Relish with a few crackers and perhaps a bit of smoked salmon. Perfection!

And the final combination I have to share with you today is a classic: Homemade Lemonade alongside a cheese plate featuring Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam. Is there really anything else to say? Didn't think so.

Cheers to a much-needed holiday weekend! I hope you enjoy every extra moment of fun and relaxation with your friends and family! Make some simple, delicious recipes and sit around the table (outside, of course) to soak it all in.