Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Treats

While adults are preparing to ring in the New Year, why should the kids be left out? These fruity, non-alcoholic drinks and warm appetizers will satisfy guests of all ages while waiting for the ball to drop at midnight. With a festive presentation, some of the simplest recipes can add to the holiday spirit of bringing in 2012.

Some quick “mocktail” recipes will provide kids with a sweet drink selection. Use colorful paper umbrellas and fruit accents to add to the holiday atmosphere.

New Years Sunrise
Recipe from FamilyFun Magazine
Ingredients

• 4 oz. seltzer
• 6 oz. orange juice
• ½ oz. grenadine syrup
• 1 orange slice
• 1 lemon slice
• 1 maraschino cherry
• plastic toothpick

Directions
In a tall glass, mix the seltzer and orange juice.  Slowly pour the grenadine into the center of the glass, allowing the syrup to settle to the bottom.  Garnish with the orange, lemon and cherry, stacked and skewered with the toothpick.

New Year’s Eve Punch
Recipe from Mommy Rantings
Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract

Directions
Mix the ingredients in a large pitcher and serve on ice. Yields 4 cups.

Triple Red Shirley Temple
Recipe from FamilyFun Magazine
Ingredients

• 1 oz. grenadine syrup
• 6 oz. cranberry juice
• 4 oz. cranberry ginger ale
• 1 paper umbrella
• 3 maraschino cherries
• orange slice
• ice (optional)

Directions
Mix the syrup, cranberry juice and ginger ale in a tall glass.  Add the three cherries and balance the umbrella on the glass rim in front of the orange slice.

Balance out the chatter and excitement of New Years Eve with at least one creative appetizer to keep young guests satisfied into the night. With simple ingredients that kids love, this finger food recipe is quick to prepare, and easy to enjoy.

Bacon Cheese Puffs
Recipe from Diana’s Kitchen
Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut up in small pieces
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon or diced smoked ham or prosciutto
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• dash salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Directions

1. Combine milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil; add flour all at once, stirring constantly, until mixture forms a dough ball and leaves the sides of the pan.
3. Remove from heat. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring constantly and vigorously until mixture is smooth.
4. Add cheese, bacon or ham, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Line a baking sheet with foil; grease. Or, use a nonstick silicone-baking mat to line the baking sheet.
6. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto the greased foil.
7. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until puffed and nicely browned.

Serve warm. Makes about 36 puffs.

Mom Central