NYE

We had a party at our house on NYE this year.  We were a little nervous how it would turn out but it was a blast!  Corey had the brilliant idea of doing a white elephant gift exchange with your choice of wine, beer, or liquor.  It was a really good time and I think we'll do it again.  The gifts ranged from Natty Ice beer to a fifth of Jack Daniels.  Here are the appetizers I made for the party:

Pancetta Crisps w/ Goat Cheese & Pear - I got this idea from my friend Katie's Christmas party.  They are phenominal and so easy.

16 thin slices pancetta

16 teaspoons soft fresh goat cheese (from 5-ounce log)

2 very ripe small pears, halved, cored, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

Fresh thyme leaves

Preheat oven to 450°F. Place pancetta slices in single layer on large rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with pepper. Bake until golden, about 10 minutes. Using spatula, slide pancetta crisps onto platter. Top each with 1 teaspoon goat cheese and 1 pear slice. Sprinkle with thyme and serve.  (I didn't have fresh time and worked just the same).

Puff Pastry w/ Cranberry and Brie

This is something I made form thanksgiving from Closet Cooking.  This time I decided to make them small & bite sized. 

Two Sheets Frozen Puff Pastry

One round Brie

Cranberry Sauce

Cut pastry into small squares, place small piece of brie (rhind removed) on each square and top with one or two teaspoons cranberry sauce.  Pull corners up and over to contain brie and cranberry.  Bake at 350 on ungreased baking sheet for 15-25 minutes.

Here is the original recipe picture

Seven Layer taco dip
This has been a long time favorite when ever we all get together.

1 pound ground beef
1 pakage taco seasoning
1 can refried beans
1 jar salsa
1 container sour cream
1 pakage shredded cheese
green onions, black olives, or other add'l toppings you might like

Brown beef and add seasoning.  Spread beans along bottom of a 13 x 9 dish, then meat, then salsa, then sour cream, then cheese.  Top with any toppings and serve with tortilla chips.  Yummy!