5 Ideas for a Fun Family New Year’s Eve

The average New Year’s Eve bash is usually one of two things, an all-night celebration or a low-key evening watching other people celebrate on television. We’ve decided it’s time to ring in 2015 with the family, children included! When planning your evening of fun, make it awesome for every member of the family, from your 10 year old twins to the 35 yr old crazy uncle. Here are a few ideas that will help you bring in the New Year with the entire family.

We’ll start with the beverages, first being one you parents will love. If you’re thinking about mixing things up beyond wine & beer, you’ll love this cocktail. Many people overlook the tasty & classy Elderflower Liqueur that is St. Germain. For most cocktails you’ll use just a splash, so the bottle will last you quite a while. Parents, try this …

The St-Germain Cocktail (Source – http://stgermain.fr/recipes/)

– 2 Parts Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine

– 1 1/2 Parts St-Germain

– 2 Parts Club Soda

Fill a glass with ice, add Champagne, St-Germain, and Club Soda. Stir and garnish with a lemon twist.

How many times have your kids asked you for a cocktail, only to be disappointed they can’t try a taste of this mystery drink? Now, you can have your cocktail and they can have theirs too, alcohol free! Mocktails will make everyone feel included, and we couldn’t think of a better one to make on New Year’s Eve. Try the Champagne Mocktail …

Champagne Mocktail

Equal parts:

– Ginger Ale
– Club Soda
– Unsweetened Grape Juice

Combine the 3 ingredients and stir. Pour into small plastic wine glasses.

Now it’s time for the food. Kids typically don’t want fancy appetizers and food they can’t pronounce. Thats exactly why we think this simple Mac and Cheese is a great New Year’s Eve meal. But instead of leaving them out of the finger food fun, try filling small cups or ramekin bowls with the kid-approved recipes. They will get to enjoy their favorite foods while still feeling included. Plus, what adult doesn’t like Mac and Cheese too?!

Stovetop Mac and Cheese (No More ‘to go’ Recipe)

Serves 4

– 8 oz elbow noodles
– 3 oz Gouda, or Velveeta
– 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

In a large pot, boil 4 quarts water. Add noodles and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Grate the Gouda and cheddar into the pot.Add milk and salt and mix to combine. To thin, add a little more milk. Serve hot – as it cools it gets sticky. If this happens, add a little milk.

While the kids are enjoying their mini meals, you can eat these delicious Chicken Skewers. A unique appetizer that tastes as great as it looks.

Asian Chicken Skewers (No More ‘to go’ Recipe)

– 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, or wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
– 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 12 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned
– 1 green onion, sliced

In a small sauce pan, heat jam, soy sauce, vinegar, barbecue sauce, and red pepper flakes to a boil, reduce to simmer and let cook for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat. In a food processor, pulse chicken, egg, panko, cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined. Form chicken into small bite-sized patties. Heat oil over medium high heat until it shimmers. Brown patties 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Transfer to plate.

In the same pan, sauté bell pepper and pineapple until warmed through and slightly browned.

To assemble, stack from the bottom up, a chicken patty, then a bell pepper, and finally the pineapple. Drizzle with plum sauce and sprinkle with green onions.

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You’ve got the food, music, and guests covered. The only thing missing is a little entertainment! Games are a great way to get both adults and kids involved in a fun activity. We love these game ideas by The Kitchn to add into your New Years mix. Check them out here.

Hope you enjoyed these tips! Be safe and have fun while you bring in the New Year with your family.

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