For all the New Year’s Eve party hosts out there, you probably already know just how important it is to choose the perfect menu for such an important event. Apart from your main meal and dessert, you should also make sure that you have some appetizers for your guests to enjoy. Here are some great New Year’s appetizer recipe for you to add to your menu.

Molasses Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 24 cooked meatballs
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 3 Tbsp cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ tsp thyme

Method:

  • You can choose to buy ready-made meatballs for this New Year’s appetizer or you can make your own from scratch. It’s totally up to you.
  • Once your meatballs are ready, you can blend the rest of the ingredients on the list in a bowl and add it to your meatballs.
  • Simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and your meatballs have a delicious glaze.
  • You can place them on a platter and set toothpicks beside them or you can skewer each one to make it easier for your guests to serve themselves.

Ginger Chicken Kabob

Ingredients for the marinade:

  • 4 shallots minced OR ¼ cup of onion minced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 Tbsp ginger (freshly grated)
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Asian fish sauce
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 Tbsp molasses

Ingredients for the dipping sauce:

  • Any leftovers from your marinade
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp Asian fish sauce
  • ½ Tbsp molasses

You will also need 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs – cut into strips

Method:

  • To make this New Year’s appetizer, you will need to begin by mixing the marinade. Place all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl or dish,
  • Add the chicken to this dish and toss it around to coat the chicken all over.
  • Refrigerate and allow to marinade for at least 30 minutes. Marinading for 2 hours would be better, of course. If you like, you could even save some time on the day by marinading overnight.
  • Make sure that you toss the chicken around a little now and then.
  • Remove the chicken and thread the strips onto skewers.
  • Grill the chicken over a medium heat or under the broiler. Flip once and cook until done.
  • For the dipping sauce, you can put the leftover marinade in a saucepan along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Warm over medium heat until it starts to sizzle.
  • Add the lime juice, molasses and fish sauce.
  • Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Serve this delicious dipping sauce with your scrumptious ginger chicken.

Candied Pecans

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups raw pecans
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp molasses
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Method:

  • This is more of a snack than an actual New Year’s appetizer but it will certainly be enjoyed by all those who love nuts!
  • Begin by preheating your oven to 325F.
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and keep a second sheet of parchment handy.
  • In a pot, combine all of the ingredients apart from the pecans.
  • Stir the mixture thoroughly and then add the pecans.
  • Mix well and warm over medium heat until the mixture is very runny but do NOT boil. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
  • Stir constantly.
  • Pour the mixture out onto the lined baking sheet and spread out so that they do not overlap one another.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and stir well before spreading them out again.
  • Bake for another 8 to 12 minutes. Make sure they do not overcook.
  • Remove from oven, stir well and spread out onto the extra parchment that you have set aside.
  • Allow to cool before serving.

These are three delicious New Year’s appetizer that guests of all ages will love. While it’s great to serve dishes that your guests are familiar with, it’s also a great opportunity to treat everyone to something new, delicious and exciting!