Celebrating New Year’s Eve with your kids can be the start or continuation of a fun, family tradition. If you have some kids that won’t quite make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve, and others that will, consider having two New Year’s Eve parties. It’s easier than you might think!

Here are fun, inexpensive, and easy recipes to get you started!

New Year’s Party at Noon

The idea behind this early New Year's Eve party is to allow younger kids a chance to take part the festivities of New Year’s Eve, but at a much earlier hour.

These parties can start at around 10:30 in the morning, with the “New Year’s Eve” countdown starting just before noon.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Ingredients:

• Strawberries

• Grapes

• Raspberries

• Blueberries

• Vanilla yogurt or store bought fruit dip

Directions:

1. Place a bowl of fruit dip in the center of a plate.

2. Spread the fruit pieces around the bowl and serve.

Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich Recipe

Mini Sandwiches are fun to eat, and lots of fun to make! The smaller size of the sandwich makes it easier for younger kids to help prepare. If desired, both sandwich recipes can be assembled the night before, and stored in the fridge. Simply remove about fifteen to twenty minutes before serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Pepperidge Farm “Hot and Crusty Twin French" loaves of
bread, or similar product

• Mozzarella Cheese

• Cherry or Grape tomatoes, halved

• Basil

Directions:

1. Slice one loaf of the bread into mini slices, about one inch thick.

2. Place a piece of cheese on one slice of bread, followed by half of the tomato, and fresh or dried basil.

3. Top with a second piece of bread.

4. Cook in a pan or toast in the oven until the cheese is melted.

Mini Club Sandwich Recipe

• 1 package of Pepperidge Farm “Hot and Crusty Twin French” loaves of bread, or similar product

• Sliced ham

• Sliced turkey

• Sliced roast beef

• Cheddar cheese

• Lettuce, chopped into bit size pieces

• Cherry or Grape tomatoes, halved

• Tooth picks

Directions:

1. Slice bread into mini pieces, about ½ inch thick.

2. Layer one slice with small pieces of ham, turkey and roast beef.

3. Top with lettuce and tomatoes.

4. Place second layer of bread on top, and secure with a toothpick.

New Year’s Cupcakes

Kids love cupcakes, and the opportunity to decorate them individually will add a special element to your celebration. Simply bake a dozen cupcakes from a store bought cake mix. In addition to some vanilla frosting, here are some great items for decorating:

• Red Hots

• Sprinkles

• M & M’s

• Food coloring

• Any other type of candy you have on hand

Late Night New Year Eve’s Party

While you are enjoying a fun New Year’s party at noon, this wonderful slow cooker chili is simmering away for your celebration in the evening.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package of ground turkey

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 16 ounce jars of medium salsa (mild works just as well)

• 2 14 ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 16 ounce can of kidney beans

Directions:

1. Brown the ground turkey in a pan until it’s no longer pink.

2. Rinse and drain the kidney beans in a colander.

3. Combine the salsa, diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers and onion into
the slow cooker.

4. Add kidney beans and ground turkey. Mix well.

5. Cook on low for 7 to 10 hours.

6. Serve with slices of toasted French bread and tortilla chips.

For dessert, simply enjoy leftover cupcakes that were baked fresh at your “first” New Year Eve’s party.

Happy New Year!