New Years Recipes
and
Gourmet Dinner Menu

Here you will find all of the New Years recipes you will ever need to host an extravagant and indulgent dinner party!

My menu features some exceptionally decadent ingredients like smoked salmon, fillet of beef, p�t� de foie gras�.and even black truffles! But don't be put off if this is too costly as I also give some tips on suitable alternatives.

My New Years menu also feature a traditional Scottish theme. Here in the UK, Scotland leads the way in demonstrating how to really enjoy New Years Eve, or "Hogmanay" as it is known in that country.

I make no apologies for the liberal usage of alcohol in many of the recipes - another trait of Scottish hospitality! After all, we are celebrating New Years, when a tipple (or 3!) is almost obligatory!

Below you will find a gourmet three course menu, recipes for each dish, as well as comprehensive planning notes, tips and timetable.

Whichever part of the World you are celebrating in, may I wish you a truly, Happy New Year!

Gourmet food........the EASY way!

New Year Dinner Menu

Smoked Salmon P�t�
served with Melba toast
∞
Fillet of Beef Wellington
with Madeira and Black Truffle Jus
Bashed Neeps'n Tatties
Buttered Green Beans
∞
Fresh Figs in Masala Wine
with Drambuie Ice Cream
∞
Coffee served with
Chocolate Truffles

PLANNING NOTES AND COUNTDOWN

Three or more days ahead

Print off ALL of the New Years recipes, and study them.
Now prepare a shopping list. With the exception of perhaps the fillet of beef and maybe your chosen accompanying vegetables or fresh garnishes, all of the fresh ingredients will keep perfectly well for 3 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Drambuie Ice Cream (this can be prepared a week or more ahead as long as it is kept frozen).
Prepare and freeze the chocolate truffles.

One to two days ahead

Prepare the Smoked Salmon P�t�, cover and refrigerate.
Prepare and poach the Fresh Figs. Allow them to cool completely in their cooking liquor, cover and refrigerate.
Prepare the mushroom stuffing for the Beef Wellington. When cool, store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
With 24 hours to go, now is the time to refrigerate any white wines and Champagne ready for New Year's Eve!

The day of the party

Peel and cut the potatoes and swede. Immerse completely in cold water.
Prepare any fresh vegetables that you will be serving as a side dish.
Prepare the Melba toast for the Smoked Salmon P�t�.
The one New Years recipe that is a little more complex than the others is the Fillet of Beef Wellington....so make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time for the preparation. Aim to have this dish ready for baking and in the refrigerator 2 hours before needed.

Now refer to the individual New Years recipes for the final cooking and serving instructions.

I have designed this Menu and chosen the New Years recipes specifically in order to create a truly splendid and memorable dinner party. But also a party which will leave the host or hostess sufficiently stress-free to enjoy this very special occasion!

I wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!