M/I Homes – Dallas: 5-Time Builder of the Year
As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome in a brand-new year full of opportunity, what better way to celebrate than with a delicious New Year’s feast to set the tone for 2024.
Find out how you can elevate your party with a spread that combines the smoky allure of Carolina barbecue with the effervescence of a bubbly glass of prosecco. Plus, learn a bit about why I love celebrating the holidays here in the Queen City!
Dinner Recipes for New Year’s Eve
Check out my mouthwatering menu featuring barbecue ideas, mushroom tarts, cheese pimento sliders, snacks, and apple cider champagne to make your New Year’s Eve truly unforgettable.
Carolina Barbecue
“Nobody eats barbecue alone. It’s the perfect party spread for a big celebration.”
Kick off the festivities with a barbecue extravaganza that will truly wow your guests. From tender ribs to smoked pulled pork, fire up the grill and sizzle your way into the new year in true North Carolina fashion.
I recently discovered my new go-to barbecue sauces at a local store in Charlotte called CLT Find, known for “curating the best products from Charlotte’s best makers.” Since sauces range in flavor and spice level (from extra hot to sweet and tangy), one of my top tips for serving barbecue to guests is offering a variety of sauces to choose from. Everyone has their own preference, and I personally prefer a more traditional, sweet sauce.
Mushroom Tarts
Transition from the hearty barbecue to a more refined hors d'oeuvre with mushroom tarts! These bite-sized delights marry the richness of mushrooms with a flaky puff pastry, creating a savory balance of flavors. Mushroom tarts offer an elegant addition to your New Year’s spread and a fantastic vegetarian option for you or your dinner guests.
My favorite mushroom tart recipe is from Feel Good Foodie. Take a look and be sure to print the recipe or save it to your Pinterest board.
Pimento Cheese Sliders: Small Bites, Big Flavor
These flavorful, miniature sandwiches combine the creamy goodness of pimento cheese with the tasty crunch of grilled whole-wheat baguettes.
Cayenne pepper adds a little bit of spice, and the smoked paprika enhances the color and depth of flavor. Plus, you can use that extra BBQ sauce as a slider dip. It’s a party on your plate!
Check out this perfect Pimento Grilled Cheese Bites recipe from Farm Flavor below.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole-wheat baguettes, sliced thin (to make 20 pieces total)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 4 ounces (1 jar) pimentos, well drained and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2–3 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
- Combine cheeses, pimentos, cayenne pepper, mayonnaise and mustard until well blended. Distribute on 10 slices of bread. Top with the other 10 slices.
- Butter the outside-facing sides of the bread lightly. Grill until crispy and deep golden, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Just before serving, place several fresh leaves of spinach inside each mini sandwich.
Irresistible Snack Spreads
No celebration is complete without a mix of snacks to munch on throughout the night. On your kitchen counter or island, set out an assortment of crispy potato chips, tortilla chips with dip, and even popcorn.
Having some basic, easy snacks on hand provides a textural contrast and keep guests full until the ball drops at midnight.
A Toast to the New Year With Apple Cider Champagne
My favorite way to incorporate the Carolinas into a cocktail is with apple cider; mixed with La Marca Prosecco, it’s the perfect pairing!
During our live event, my friend Lauren from Whole Living Lauren shared how she mixes a simple ginger syrup in with the sparkling wine and apple cider, which cuts the tanginess of the apple with a sweet spice. Then, you can top it off with an apple slice on the rim.
Pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly and raise your glass to the promise of new beginnings!
Celebrating the Holidays in Charlotte, NC
There’s nothing better than spending the holidays with my big family in the city where I was born and raised, and hosting in the comfort of my home is one of my favorite ways to ring in the New Year.
People often ask me what I love about living in the Queen City, and my response is always this: we have the beach, the mountains, parks, and trails all within reach!
Charlotte is the largest city in the state and it’s growing rapidly. Lower cost of living combined with low crime rates and ample employment opportunities makes Charlotte one of the best places to live in the U.S.
It’s an honor to be able to help others find their dream new home in this incredible city. If you, a friend, or a family member are considering a home down in North Carolina, explore some of our new home communities throughout The Triangle and Charlotte Metro.
I hope you feel inspired to try out one of my holiday recipes this year or in the year to come. Now, it’s time to gather with your loved ones, raise your glasses, and indulge in the joy of good food and great company as you welcome the year ahead.
From all of us at M/I Homes, cheers to a happy and flavorful new year!
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