Chef David RichardsonIs the gang coming over to watch the Fiesta and Peach Bowls on New Year’s Eve? Nothing fancy as far as food – might be just potluck or even pizza – just good friends gathering to see the old year out.
The good news is the games kick off earlier this year – Peach Bowl at 3 p.m., Fiesta at 7 p.m. – so it won’t make for a late night if you’re not one to wait up to toast the new year. The bad news: The games start earlier this year, meaning you’ll need more food to last the night if you are popping champagne corks at midnight.
Make-ahead finger foods that either just need warming or are easily assembled allow hosts to be part of their party instead of spending half the night in the kitchen. Finger foods alone, though, aren’t enough if guests will be at your home for several hours with an open bar. Serve some form of dinner, advises a report from CBS News, that includes foods high in zinc such as lean beef or lamb, spinach or cashew nuts. The mineral helps the body’s detox process.
Keep in mind that most people can metabolize one 5-ounce drink per hour. So a good rule of thumb is try to avoid serving any individual more than one alcoholic beverage during that time period. Alternate water with alcoholic drinks or dilute drinks to prevent drunkenness. An example of the latter: Add seltzer water to wine and make a wine spritzer.
And, as always, never let anyone leave drunk to drive home. Call Uber or a cab if you don’t want an overnight guest.