3 easy recipes to make your New Year's parties a breeze

Who says entertaining people for New Year's takes a lot of work?

These easy recipes are great for bringing in 2017 with your friends and family.

Funfetti Cookies

Nothing says ‘celebration’ like rainbow sprinkles! These simple sugar cookies are a fun addition to any party spread and are especially likely to be a hit with the kids.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, softened ¼ cup (2oz/60g)

Caster sugar ½ cup

Egg 1, at room temperature

Plain flour ¾ cup

Baking powder ½ tsp

Baking soda ½ tsp

Rainbow sprinkles ¼ cup

Method

Add the butter, sugar and vanilla to a large mixing bowl, and beat on ‘high’ with an electric beater for about one minute. Add the egg and beat until well mixed. Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and stir with a metal or wooden spoon. Add the sprinkles and stir to combine. Take heaped teaspoons of the cookie dough and roll into balls. Place the cookie dough balls (you should have about 20) in a plate or tray, and refrigerate for two to three hours.* Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for nine to 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and leave to cool on the baking tray for five to 10 minutes. Then place on a wire rack to cool completely.

*The cookie dough can be made up to two to three days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. The more time it has to chill, the better.

Makes approximately 20 cookies.

Devilled Eggs

If you’re pressed for time, devilled eggs are your best bet. You’ll most likely have all the ingredients you need at home, and they can be ready in less than an hour. For texture, try adding chopped spring onions or finely diced pickles to the yolk mixture.

Ingredients

Eggs 4, hard-boiled

Mayonnaise 2 tbsp

Mustard 1 tsp

A dash of hot sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and add to a small mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper to the yolks, and mash together until the mixture is smooth. Carefully spoon the yolk mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle paprika powder on the eggs, and serve.

Serves four to six

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

If you decide to stay at home to mark the New Year, settle in with a big steaming mug of this indulgent homemade hot chocolate.

Ingredients

Cocoa powder ½ cup

Sugar ¼ cup

A pinch of salt

Dark chocolate 4 oz (115g), broken into small pieces

Method

Add all ingredients to a food processor. Process until the mixture resembles a coarse powder and store in an airtight jar. To make hot chocolate: heat one cup of milk in a saucepan until it is very hot; do not boil.

Add one to two tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix and whisk until smooth. Taste and add more sugar, if needed.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, January 1st, 2017