And so this is it: the last hurrah of the festive season before the business-like month of January begins. To some, it is a celebration too far on the heels of Christmas. To others, however, it’s the big one, the celebration to which no other celebration will measure up – until the next one, that is. Whether you’re celebrating a good year (in spite of its obstacles) or enthusiastically waving it out; whether you’ll be in company or toasting the night a deux, these are the indulgent bites to offset the obligatory fizz. One, two, three: ‘Should auld acquaintance be forgot’…

Harissa Hot Wings With Hazelnut Dukkah


Olive Magazine
Harissa Hot Wings With Hazelnut Dukkah Copy

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or you’re simply cooking for the usual inhabitants of your house, chicken wings are always a good idea; they’re easy to make, easy to eat while wielding a champagne flute, and they’re super tasty. We love this spicy, nutty rendition with dukkah and red-hot sauce. It’s one way to ensure your night goes with a little sizzle. Find the recipe here.


Toasted Ravioli


Delish Magazine
Toasted Ravioli

Few are the folk who don’t love a good piping hot bowl of ravioli. But have you ever thought of the Italian classic as finger food? Us neither; that is, until we happened upon this revolutionary recipe. Simply dip each piece in a bowl of egg and flour followed by another of breadcrumbs and parmesan, and then freeze for 30 minutes before frying for four minutes. The key? Do make plenty of marinara sauce to dip them in. Buonissimo. Find the recipe here.


Champagne Oysters


Taste Magazine
Champagne Oysters

We believe in starting as you mean to go on. And what better way to usher in a new year than by bringing together two luxury stalwarts: Champagne and oysters? Creamy, decadent and exactly what we want to eat on New Year’s Eve, we advise washing them down with several more glasses of the sparkling stuff. Find the recipe here.


Merriment Tart


Anna Jones
MERRIMENT TART

Anna Jones is the queen of veggie cooking that is big on flavour, seasonality and goodness. Who could ever resist something that calls itself merriment tart, let alone on New Year’s Eve? Beautiful flavours of sweet leek, nutmeg and tangy cheddar come together, all encased in homemade pastry. If you’re dining en famille, it’s ideal for sharing; if you’re hosting a gathering, simply cut it into little squares and serve as canapés. Find the recipe here.


Cheat’s Blinis With Fig And Jamon


Delicious Magazine
Cheat

There is something irresistibly festive about these easy-to-make salty and sweet bites. Since life is too short to make your own blinis, simply buy them ready-made or substitute for pikelets and then load each one up with mascarpone, figs and jamon. Do make sure you have a couple of hours to soak the figs in Pedro Ximenez sherry – et voila, the perfect morsel to accompany the clinking of glasses. Find the recipe here.


Cheddar Beignets With Sesame Dressing


Galton Blackiston/ Great British Chefs
Cheddar Beignets With Sesame Dressing

The head chef of Morston Hall in North Norfolk knows how to impress with a canapé. These beignets offer deep fried crunch, oozy cheddar cheese, a chilli kick in the form of the Asian-inspired dressing, and a pleasing nuttiness thanks to the sesame. The ideal thing to soak up an excess of champagne. Find the recipe here.


Ginger Cigars With Chocolate Mousse


Delicious Magazine
Ginger Cigars With Chocolate Mousse

Do you love the idea of brandy and cigars at the end of a meal, but less so the reality of the after-effects? Why not try these gingery chocolate mousse alternatives instead? They look and taste like the sort of ultra-luxury one might find in Fortnum & Mason, while being surprisingly simple to make. The ideal combination. Find the recipe here.


By Nancy Alsop
December 2021

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