THE BEST KITCHENWARE FOR NEW YEAR’S HORS D’OEUVRES

Originally published by Tramontina USA, 2018

Just when the dust begins to settle from the holidays, you remember New Year’s Eve—the night that tops off the festive craze. No need to spend days in the kitchen crafting 5-course meals for the crowds. You already did your time on the 25th. Instead, put together some heavy hors d’oeuvres and let your guests snack the night away. Here are some of the best tools for making and serving New Year’s Eve hors d’oeuvres and throwing the best party of the year.

BREAD KNIFE

Heavy hors d’oeuvres necessitate bread to make sure guests fill up. Tomato bruschetta, sliders, roasted vegetable tartines, and all those slices of buttery toasted baguette you need for dunking into your favorite dips are the kind of hors d’oeuvres that make New Year’s great.

COPPER MIXING BOWLS

New Year’s Eve is for shine a shimmer. Serve homemade popcorn, snack mix, candies, or other treats in copper mixing bowls. Use them as bread baskets or for holding chips instead of just putting out the bags.

ROASTING PANS & BAKING TRAYS

Use these pans to warm up individual appetizers, make a big batch of nachos, and cook bacon-wrapped dates. Try toasting slices of a baguette on a sheet pan with a bit of oil and salt. They also work as serving trays for all those fantastic hors d’oeuvres and little desserts.

COCOTTES

Give everyone individual desserts in enameled cast iron cocottes. Bake molten chocolate cakes or mini cheesecakes; make creme brulee or even bread pudding. Set out some spoons and let everyone go to town. It’s the last night of the year—make it count!

STOCK POT

You’ll need more than just hors d’oeuvres and snacks for the adults. Make your own batched cocktails, spiked punch, or mulled wine using a stock pot. We recommend doing it all the day before so the flavors can meld and you have less to do the day of. You can even stew mulling spices on the stove before your guests arrive—they’ll love the spiced and festive holiday ambiance.

It’s the last meal of the year but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a few tricks, you’re family and friends will be talking about your party way past the stroke of midnight.