New Year’s Eve is an extensive day filled with fun and festivities to ring in the New Year.  And even though the weather can sometimes be frigid outside because it’s the middle of winter, it does not give the barbecue enthusiast an excuse to abandon the grill.  Even though your party can’t be experienced outdoors, remember food can always be prepared outside.  This way, the kitchen stays less cluttered and you don’t have to worry about having an oven or stove on all night to keep the food flowing.  If you decide not to do a full-on meal, try doing an all-night nibblers fest where you serve different little foods (heavy appetizers or bite-sized desserts) throughout the party.

For starters, try toasting some nuts or melt cheese over toast with halved grape tomatoes for bruschetta.  Remember, all this can be cooked on your grill.  Next, have a go with some bacon wrapped shrimp, stuffed jalapenos, or turkey sliders (recipe below).   You can wrap, stuff and patty these a day before the party, so all you have to do is pop them onto the grill the day of.  These are just starters, but the possibilities are endless with your grill, and the barbecue fanatic of your house will be the highlight of the party serving up great snacks and hors d’oeuvres all night long.  Just make sure to do your prep work, like any other party, a day or two before the big day.  That way, your party time isn’t interrupted by a messy kitchen and unnecessary duties.

Turkey Sliders

• 1 lb of ground turkey
• 1/8 tsp dried parsley
• Dash of Worcestershire
• 1/8 tsp salt and pepper
• 8 soft dinner rolls or mini hamburger buns

Place the turkey into a large bowl along with next 2 ingredients, and mix just until ingredients are combined.  Do not over mix.  Mold turkey mixture into 8 even-size slider patties and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Grill sliders on medium high heat  approximately 15-20 minutes or until cooked throughout.  Warm rolls/buns on grill and serve immediately.  Top with desired garnishes.

Here at LowCountry Barbecue, we have enjoyed making your barbecue catering events extra special in 2011 and look forward to continuing to provide great service to all our wonderful patrons in 2012.  Happy New Year!