A New Year’s Celebration just isn’t complete without Champagne, and I’ve put together a selection of three different Champagne drinks to help you ring in the New Year. We’ll start off with a delicious “Mexican Bubbly”, along with M&J’s Champagne Spritzer and finish the trio with...

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This appetizer is the ultimate in make ahead.  Arrange the platter up to a day ahead, keeping the bread separate. When you are ready to serve, put the platter out on the counter finish with the bread and serve. This can be out for several hours with out refrigeration. Ingredients 8 oz or 2 large balls fresh mozzarella cheese 5 dates,...

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Cranberry Orange Ginger Sauce Makes about 2 cups Quick Tip: Make ahead and freeze. Once the sauce is cooked cool in the fridge. Place the cooled sauce into ziplock bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, allow to defrost at room temp for 20-30 minutes. Ingredients 2, 12oz packages fresh cranberries 1 3/4 cup sugar 1 medium...

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Sauteed Green Beans with Leeks and Bacon Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 Cup –Bacon (sliced in to bits) 1 Cup – Leek (sliced 1/4 inch) 1 Pound -Haricot Verts (or green beans) 1/4 Cup –Almonds (slivered) Directions In a medium sauté pan, over med/high heat cook bacon until crisp (about 8-10min) stirring occasionally. Remove bacon from...

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Sausage  Sage and Cranberry Stuffing Serves 12 Quick Tip: To freeze place in a freezer safe  baking dish and cover with foil. Freezer for up 3 months. From frozen, place covered stuffing in a 400° oven and bake for 1 hour, uncover and bake until heated through. If the stuffing seems a little dry, pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the...

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Baked Sweet Potatoes with Candied Pecans and Blue Cheese Makes 10 Potatoes Quick tip: To cut down on fat you can use half and half instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter, the flavor won’t be quite as rich. Ingredients 5 sweet potatoes, I use the darker skinned potatoes with orange flesh 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese 1/2 Tablespoon...

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Cyclops Deviled Eggs Recipe Makes 12 This appetizer is a perfect start to a Halloween dinner or substitute the olive for diced tomato or leaf of cilantro and you have a delicious appetizer for anytime of the year. Quick tip: If you are in a hurry, hard boil the eggs and keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 day .  You can use bacon bits, in...

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Mummy Mashed Potatoes Serves 6 Quick tip: To save time, peel and cut potatoes up to 4 hours ahead of time, keep covered in cold water. Ingredients: 8 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch dice 8 oz Mascarpone cheese 1/4 cup lite sour cream 2 Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons milk 1/2 tsp Salt Directions: Place potatoes in a large pot of...

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Vampire Veggies Serves 4-6 Quick tip: You will know when the oil is hot enough when you dip a wooden spoon in the oil and bubbles form around it. Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil 8 oz package or 2 cups sugar snap peas 2 cups carrots, cut into matchsticks 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds Pinch of salt and...

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Monster Meatloaf Recipe This recipe makes 2 loafs, perfect for a large party or to freeze for a no fuss dinner. Each loaf serves 4-5 people.   Quick tip: Use a food processor to mince onion, garlic and sun dried tomatoes. Ingredients: 1 cup yellow onion, grated 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 cups sun dried tomatoes, puréed 1 1/2...

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