If you are playing host for New Year’s Eve, you want to make sure that you have the evening well planned. This includes everything from the food to the music and décor. When your guests arrive, you will most likely spend some time chatting and enjoying a drink or two before sitting down to eat. During this time, you want to make sure that your guests have something to nibble on. Here are some delicious appetizer ideas to consider.

Molasses Meatball Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 24 cooked meatballs
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 3 Tablespoons of cider vinegar
  • 3 Tablespoons of Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup of ketchup
  • ¼ teaspoon of thyme

Directions:

  • Depending on how much time you have, you can choose ready-made meatballs or you can make them yourself.
  • Blend the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and then add to your meatballs.
  • Simmer the meatballs for 8 – 10 minutes until the sauce becomes thicker.
  • You can place this delicious appetizer on a platter and set some toothpicks nearby for your guests to enjoy.

Ginger Chicken Kabob Recipe

Marinade ingredients:

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

Dipping sauce ingredients:

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

You will also need 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs which need to be cut into strips.

Directions:

  • To make this delicious appetizer, you need to begin with your marinade. Place all of the ingredients for your marinade in a bowl.
  • Add your chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, 2 hours of marinading would be best. You should also turn your chicken around every 30 minutes to allow both sides to soak.
  • Remove the chicken and place the strips on skewers.
  • Grill your chicken skewers over a medium heat or under your broiler. You will need to flip them to cook both sides.
  • For the dipping sauce, simply place the leftover marinade in a saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Heat the marinade mixture until it starts to sizzle.
  • Add molasses, lime juice and fish sauce to the saucepan.
  • Mix well and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Serve your chicken and dipping sauce while warm.

Sweet Candied Pecans

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

  • If you would like a sweet and delicious appetizer, you should make some scrumptious candied pecans.
  • Preheat your oven to 325F.
  • Line your baking tray with some parchment paper and make sure to have a second sheet ready too.
  • Place all ingredients, apart from the pecans, in a saucepan.
  • Warm the mixture before adding the pecans and mix to coat well. Take care not to boil them. You only need to toss them around for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour this mixture onto your baking tray and spread out.
  • Bake for 10 minutes before removing from the oven and stir well before spreading them out again.
  • Bake for another 8 – 12 minutes. Take care not to overcook them.
  • Remove from the oven and stir well. Place on your extra sheet of parchment and allow to cool before serving.

These are some easy and delicious appetizer ideas that will keep your guests happy until the time comes to serve your meal. They taste delicious with a wide variety of beverages including wine and beer.