Your event will go more smoothly if you can prepare your party foods in advance. Here’s Food Channel Chef Dennis Pitchford’s suggested timeline for putting together a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration.
Olives: Prep and ‘cook’
Goat Cheese in Phyllo: Assemble pastries and freeze
Braised Beef in Polenta Cups: Braise and shred beef; make polenta and spread to cool
Coconut Cupcakes: Make frosting.
Fried Risotto Balls: Make risotto and cool
Braised Beef in Polenta Cups: Make polenta cups
Chocolate Ganache Tartlets: Bake tartlet shells
Coconut Cupcakes: Bake cupcakes; make frosting
Spanish Tortilla: Cook, cool, cut and hold in refrigeration
Fried Risotto Balls: Form balls and stuff with cheese
Shrimp in Sherry Garlic Sauce: Prep ingredients
Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus: Cook and assemble
Meatballs in Saffron Garlic Sauce: Make sauce
Chocolate Ganache Tartlets: Make ganache and assemble
Coconut Cupcakes: Frost cupcakes and sprinkle with coconut
Edamame: Prep and cook
Olives: Warm just before serving
Goat Cheese in Phyllo: Bake pastries
Fried Risotto Balls: After party has started, bread and fry
Shrimp in Sherry Garlic Sauce: Saute shrimp just as guests arrive
Meatballs in Saffron Garlic Sauce: Warm meatballs in sauce
Braised Beef in Polenta Cups: Warm beef and polenta cups separately; assemble and serve