New Year's Eve party snacks

December 27, 8:40 AMSalt Lake City Parenting ExaminerRachael Lever

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New Year's Eve has always lacked that certain something for me. I never really could understand all the excitement. As a kid, I thought it was really cool to stay up late, especially when my parents were gone to a "real party". But as an adult, I've never really gotten into it. The one part that I love, though, is the snacks and the food. Of course you'll have all the old standby's like chips and dip, cheeseballs and crackers, and the bowl of mixed nuts. But maybe you'd like to try something different. It will be a late night. Not everyone leaves at 12:01 after the ball has dropped. Why don't you try a breakfast buffet this year? Here are some great breakfast recipes.

English Muffin Breakfast Pizza
(Serves 1)

1 English muffin
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup cooked sausage

Toast English muffin. Spread each have with sauce. Sprinkle with cheese, then sausage. Broil about 6 inches from heat source for about 1 minute, just until cheese starts to bubble.

Breakfast Smoothies
(Serves 4)

1 cup (approx) ice
1 cup orange juice
1 cup yogurt (any flavor)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen fruit

Put ice and enough orange juice to cover the ice in blender first, because it seems to mix better. then add the yogurt and fruit, and pour the rest of the o.j. on top. Blend until smooth. If you don't want to take the time to mix up smoothies, have a yogurt sundae bar instead, with granola and whatever other toppings you like.

Heart Smart Muffins

1 cup white flour
1 cup wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup raisins, currants, or walnuts
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup applesauce
1 egg
1 1/2 T. vegetable or canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries, if desired

Preheat oven to 350. Combine dry ingredients. Stir in buttermilk, applesauce, egg, oil, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is just blended. Do not overmix. Spoon the batter into muffin papers or greased muffin tins, filling 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm or cool.

Breakfast Egg Casserole

1/2 pound sausage
1 green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 cup grated cheese (or more)
8-10 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp butter
2 T. milk

Brown sausage. Melt butter in square baking pan. Beat eggs with milk and salt. Stir in sausage, pepper, onion, and half the cheese. Pour into pan. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 425 for about 20 minutes.

You probably have enough here to get you started, along with your own favorite breakfast recipes. Have a safe, happy and delicious New Year's Eve, and just remember when the ball drops, that I'm probably already fast asleep. HAPPY NEW YEAR!