New Year’s Day triggers a mixture of emotions for many of us. While we rejoice at the opportunity for a fresh start, New Year’s Day symbolizes the end of the holiday season and the start of routines, regularity and, ultimately, reality. Before getting back to the grind this year, wrap up the holiday season with one final gathering: a New Year’s Day celebration. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back brunch, family lunch or an early dinner for friends, a casual yet elegant meal fills the bill. Our delicious recipes take the guesswork out of menu planning, so you can focus on celebrating the New Year before reality kicks in – along with those resolutions!
Tarragon’s subtle licorice flavour breathes new life into classic shrimp cocktail sauce. Ready in minutes, the horseradish- and ketchup-based sauce adds a dash of retro nostalgia to your party. If you’re out of tarragon, dill and parsley work just as well in this recipe.
Savoury Panettone French Toast
French toast easily feeds a crowd, and our recipe makes use of that panettone you received as a gift. This sweet loaf is an excellent base for stronger flavours: Crispy bacon, leeks and Parmigiano Reggiano deliver irresistible savoury goodness in our recipe.
Chorizo & Sweet Potato Frittata
This cheesy frittata is quiche’s easier-to-prepare, pastry-free cousin. If you’re expecting vegetarian guests, simply omit the chorizo. Serve wedges of frittata alongside a green salad, or cube and serve with toothpicks as finger food.
Dressed with a simple mix of warmed honey and lime juice, this bright fruit salad is a medley of freshly cut apple, mango, strawberries and blackberries (blueberries work too), punctuated by thin ribbons of mint. A sprinkling of toasted coconut finishes the dish and adds a crunchy element.
Festive Peppermint Cheesecake
This elegant cheesecake has three flavourful layers: a spicy gingerbread cookie crumb base, creamy peppermint-infused cheesecake and a sweet vanilla-scented sour cream topping. Shavings of white chocolate finish the presentation. For an optional festive garnish, add some crushed candy canes or fresh mint leaves.
Traditionally made with black tea, amaretto and Grand Marnier, the recipe gets its name from its fruity blueberry-like flavour. Our version boosts the cocktail’s citrus notes by using bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea. Serve in a martini glass and garnish with skewered frozen blueberries. If you’re serving a crowd, the cocktail can be mixed in a pitcher ahead of time. Add ice and garnish just before serving.
