Snacks to serve at New Year’s

and show off a bit at the same time

If you’re planning a casual neighbourhood drop-in on New Year’s Eve (especially if you want to show off your new Lagois kitchen), here are a couple of elegant snacks you could serve. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and take no effort when people are dropping by except to warm the “nibblies” up a bit before they arrive or as the evening goes on.

Warm spiced nuts with rosemary and maple

This is a wonderful New Year’s Eve nibble: cozy, aromatic, and endlessly snackable. Good later on, too, for wintery TV nights.

Ingredients

3 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)

1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Sea salt

How to make it

1. Toss everything together in a bowl.

2. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once.

3. Let cool slightly (they crisp as they sit). Serve warm or at room temperature.

You could pass around the nuts first, and then later you might bring out this lovely little snack:

Parmesan shortbread (cheese biscuits)

Ingredients (very simple)

1 cup flour

½ cup cold butter

1 cup finely grated Parmesan

Pinch of cayenne or black pepper

How to make it

Pulse in a food processor, roll into a log, chill, slice, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.

P.S. You might make several of these, because they’ll likely go fast.

Happy simple entertaining from your Lagois team!