New Year's Eve Dinner Ideas

Why these items are on the list

1. Pitcher of martinis. Chambers puts a pitcher of martinis first on her drink list, whatever your night looks like.
2. Pomegranate champagne punch. Festive, and Vital Choice calls pomegranate seeds a popular symbol of new beginnings.
3. Sparkling grape juice. Pour it with or instead of champagne, and light lots of candles.
4. Baked brie with grapes. Chambers says to bake it rather than grill it, unless you live somewhere warm.
5. Cheese board. Chambers's Menu Idea 3 serves three apps: this, mini crab cakes, and cream cheese with pepper jelly.
6. Shrimp cocktail. Food Network says the sauce for its featured recipe takes only minutes to whip up.
7. Spinach artichoke dip. Rachael Ray serves this Gorgonzola twist with sesame breadsticks, celery hearts and pita crisps.
8. Steak bites with truffle salt. Food Network's recipe: pan roast to medium rare, rest, cube, skewer and finish with truffle salt.
9. Mini crab cakes. One of three apps in Chambers' Menu Idea 3, beside the cheese board and cream cheese with pepper jelly.
10. Kale Caesar salad. Chambers says the Caesar dressing and croutons can be made up to 24 hours ahead, then tossed.
11. Winter salad before the main. Chambers' Menu Idea 1 serves a winter salad before the main, so plan the timing.
12. Roasted beef tenderloin. NYT lists two hours, plus trimming and tying if needed, so start early.
13. Classic shrimp scampi. Melissa Clark's NYT version takes 15 minutes, so it's a short stretch at the stove.
14. Short ribs and grits. A menu suggestion for a night with friends, no kids involved.
15. Pork marbella. Chambers lists it as a main option for her adults-only night in with friends.
16. Pasta alla vodka. Chambers says the vodka sauce can be made up to 24 hours ahead, then just toss.
17. Hoppin' John. NYT lists 1 hour 45 minutes plus overnight soaking, so start the day before.
18. Roast chicken with vegetables. A classic main, roasted with baby vegetables and a honey balsamic and rosemary glaze.
19. Slow cooker pulled pork. Vital Choice says pork is considered good luck on New Year's Day, and the slow cooker frees you up.
20. Mac and cheese. Cook the one-pot version as written, or add lobster or crab meat to make it fancy.
21. Funfetti cake with sparklers. Homemade, and brought out with sparkler candles.
22. Peppermint pots de crème. Individual portions, an alternative to a whole cake.

Open it on your phone at the store and tick what goes in the basket, then again in the kitchen to keep the timing straight.