Can you believe 2009 is almost a memory? A new decade begins in a couple of days and to help you prepare for an amazing celebration, this week’s column hosts three great recipes perfect for a New Year’s Eve party! Cheesy Mexican Bites are spicy, cheesy morsels. Celebration Cheeseball is a great traditional favorite. Parmesan Puffs take a little effort, but are so worth it. And, finally, Cranberry Ginger Spritzer is a great way to toast in 2010!

Happy New Year and happy eating!

Cheesy Mexican Bites 

4 dozen tortilla chip rounds (larger chips, not bite-size)
2 8-oz. cans bean dip
sliced nacho-style jalapeno rings
3/4 cup chili sauce
12 slices cheese, cut in quarters
guacamole

Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange tortilla chips in one layer on baking sheets. On each tortilla chip round, spread bean dip. Place a jalapeno ring or two on the bean dip. Drizzle a little salsa or chili sauce over the top and place a cheese slice on each. Bake until cheese melts, about 10 to 15 minutes. Top each with a small dollop of guacamole. Makes about 4 dozen appetizers.

Celebration Cheeseball

4 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 C. chopped pecans
1/2 C. mayonnaise
1/4 C. finely chopped onion
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 C. chopped pecans

Combine first cheese, pecans, mayonnaise, chopped onion, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl; beat at low speed of an electric mixer until well blended. Shape mixture into a ball and roll in 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Chill for about 2 hours. Serve with assorted crackers.

Parmesan Puffs

1 1/2 C. flour 1 tsp. salt
1 C. margarine
1/2 C. sour cream
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
2 T. chopped green onions
2 T. chopped mushrooms
2 T. chopped black olives

Mix flour and salt; cut margarine in until mixture begins to form a ball. Blend in sour cream. Divide dough into 4 parts. Wrap each part and chill several hours. Heat oven to 350 degrees. On floured board, roll each section into a 12 x 6-inch rectangle. Sprinkle one-half each rectangle with either cheese, onion, mushrooms or olives. Fold dough over to make a 6-inch sqare. Cut the 6-inch square into 2-inch squares, pressing edges. Continue until all dough is prepared. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. May be prepared in advance and refrigerated, then baked for 30 minutes.

Cranberry Ginger Spritzer

2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail
3 C. ginger ale 8 C. champagne chilled
1 small jar spiced apple rings with juice
32 to 48 fresh cranberries, rinsed, or frozen cranberries

In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients except Ginger Ale. Let chill and mull for at least four hours. Right before serving, stir in Ginger Ale.