New Year New Menu

As the New Year approaches the idea of parties to come are so exciting for me. It’s a new time to do things better and to have fun trying new recipes. Menu planning is at the top of the list for hosting a well-organized party. Planning makes things so much easier. It’s important to start with any specific dietary restrictions. In my case I am the only vegetarian. If you have children attend your party, it is safe to say you may want something simple that those picky eaters can have.

Using my recent Christmas party, I am going to let you into my creative world of menu planning. I wanted to play with the traditional flavors and foods of the Christmas season.  

Traditional foods I looked at:

1. Glazed ham with pineapple
2. Mash potatoes
3. Sausage stuffing
4. Cranberry sauce

I chose these items based on my favorite things. I’m sure there is a few out there like, “Where is the green bean casserole or dinner rolls?” Instead of these items I added a little twist to create my own unique menu.

POTATO CROQUETTES

Battered and baked mashed potatoes.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Sausage cornbread stuffing baked inside button mushroom heads.

HAM & PINEAPPLE SKEWERS

Smoked ham and pineapple covered in a honey mustard glaze.

DIPS WITH CROSTINI

Ricotta cheese topped with sweet cranberry sauce.

Buffalo Jackfruit cream cheese.

DANISH

Figure eights with cream cheese and raspberry

Cinnamon sugar twists.

Straight plain or cream cheese.

One major part of menu creation is to work with what you have. A lot of the list is items I already had around the house. The reason i chose to smoke meat was because I had a ton of wood still left from summer barbecues. Another major part of menu creation is the thought of prep work. Do you want to take days or hours? I usually do things that take a few days of prep. This allows me to feel as if I put more heart into it. Here is my schedule for this menu. Mind I had some help from the kiddo or this would have taken a least an extra day. 

Prep schedule
	Mushrooms	Croquettes	Skewers	Danish	Dips
Day One	Make stuffing	1. Make mashed potatoes 2. Portion & roll into balls	1. Chop into cubes 2. Skewer alternating	1. Make up dough 2. Filling & Frosting	Make Ricotta
Day Two	Stuff and bake	Bread and bake	1. Smoke for 4 hours min 2. Make glaze for finishing	Make up and Bake	1. Smoke Jack-fruit, 4 hour 2. Assemble & heat to serve
Each task should take about 30 minutes: 30 * 8 = 4 hours

I say that I allowed 30 minutes for each task. Well, that was before actual execution. Make sure to allow yourself the flexibility for mistakes, missing items, and pace of helpers. Don’t allow yourself to get frustrated, keep focusing back on your list. This mindset will help you to stay on task. 

Keeping all the planning in mind don’t be afraid to try new things. Have a few staples of what you know and add a few extra surprises that will personalize your party and build to a one of a kind experience.