Quickly becoming a new tradition, Matt and I hosted our 2nd annual New Year's Open House yesterday. We had a great turnout and wonderful time. Last year, we went with a more formal dinner style consisting of the traditional ham, roasted potatoes and a vegetable side, as well as the appetizer staples, like cheese and crackers.
This year we decided on different approach and served an all-day hot and cold appetizer menu. In an attempt to get us out of the kitchen and mingle with our guests, we prepped everything ahead of time. Then we cooked one appetizer at a time and took turns butler passing them throughout the house. (Thanks to Kari for the idea, who heard about it during an NPR story on entertaining.) It worked out well, stretching the food out over the afternoon and helping us to see everyone.
With help from both Moms, we had a big spread to offer. The donations of wine and desserts were quite abundant (and tasty) and much appreciated. (We've got plenty of those leftover, so anyone is welcome to stop by for a piece of cake or a glass of wine anytime soon.)
The Menu
Vegetable Platter & DipCheese & Cracker Plate
Assorted Nuts
Warm Artichoke Dip (Mom H)
Antipasto Squares (Mom V)
Homemade Sauce With Meatballs & Sweet Italian Sausage
Pork Tenderloin With Peppercorn Marinade
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Ham & Cheese Puffs
Matt's Famous Crab Cakes with Red Pepper Chile Dipping Sauce
(See our site for the recipe!)
Beef & Broccoli Wontons (This was a BIG crowd pleaser. Thanks to Matt C for the recipe. I'll try to post it soon for those asked for it.)
Thanks so much to all our friends and family who joined us yesterday. We hope you enjoyed yourselves. We know we did and are looking forward to next year!
2 comments:
How did I miss Matt's famous crab cakes? They're a new treat for me ever since I tried Rainbow Gardens' New England crab cakes. Yummy! I hope you'll make them again for another occasion. Your New Year's Open House was wonderful - great guests, great food, great conversation. Thanks so much for asking me to join in the fun! Love, Aunt Mary S
We're so glad you were able to join us. I'm so sorry you missed out on the crab cakes. They were hot sellers. But we'll definitely have you over in the new year to try them. Usually when we make them for company, we combine them with steak for a great surf and turf combination. Check out our site for the recipe and more fun stuff! http://www.thebellyspot.com. Click Recipe Spotlight and go to the archive at the bottom of the page. Hope to see you again soon!
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