While New Years Eve may be more about drinking than eating, bite-sized foods that are simple to whip up are a much-needed accessory for that champagne glass. NYE can be a long night and you need food to keep your party going.

Brussels sprouts made a comeback in 2011. In 2012 eat them on a skewer for an update.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts on a Skew

Ingredients

• 14 Brussels sprouts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sea salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions

1. Cut the hard end off the brussels sprout. With a knife “x” the bottom. This helps keeps the leaves together.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium high in a large skillet and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add the brussels sprouts and continue cooking for about 4-5 minutes, until they are tender, but not soft.
4. Add the sea salt and brown sugar and toss together.
5. Skewer (two per is plenty) and serve.
6. Latkes are another delectable treat that pop right into your mouth and are always a party hit.

Latkes with Smoked Salmon

Ingredients
(proportions vary depending on preferred quantity) To make your own latkes check out this easy recipe from Fine Cooking, but if you don’t have the time, Trader Joe’s sells boxes of frozen latkes that are an excellent alternative.

• Applesauce
• Sour Cream
• Chopped Chives
• Smoked Salmon

Directions

1. Once you have your latkes cooked (no matter if you took the easy road or not… we won’t tell) the toppings are the fun part.
2. Each latke should get a dollop of sour cream, a small strip of smoked salmon (you don’t want it to overwhelm) and sprinkle chives over the top.
3. It may also be a good idea to leave a few without salmon and leave a bowl of applesauce on the side.

-Arianna Schioldager