My favorite New Year’s parties are the ones that start early and continue into the wee hours—it gives me plenty of time to catch up with my friends. And time to sample party food that progresses from savory appetizers to sweet desserts as the night goes on.

If you’re going to that kind of party, and you’re asked to bring an appetizer or dessert, or you’re going where a big meal will be served, or even an intimate dinner party (where you’re looking to create a fancier-feeling dessert)—bite-size treats are the way to go. They’re easy to eat while holding a drink, they make it even easier to indulge a little bit at a time throughout the evening, and you can try many things without getting too full.

Here are my top five picks for sweet New Years nibbles.

1. Bright in flavor (from the berries and lemon curd) and light in texture (from the flaky pastry), you can keep all of the ingredients of these Mixed Berry Tartlets on hand to whip up before your party starts.

2. You can’t go wrong with Chocolate Truffles, which seem instantly fancy, especially when paired with Champagne or Prosecco.

3. Most of us love desserts that remind us of being kids. And these Three-Layer No-Bake Bars are a cross between a candy bar, a cookie, and a bowl of pudding, which pretty much means they will be a hit. Perhaps consider serving with spiked hot chocolate?

4. Fudge Brownie Tartlets! Imagine taking a bite of a dessert only to find that you get pastry, brownie, and chocolate butter frosting all in the same morsel. That seems like the perfect way to start 2012.

5. Light and airy, and with just enough chocolate to make them complete, Coconut Macaroons are one of my all-time favorite desserts. They’re also a great dessert to have on hand if you have friends who need to eat gluten-free or nut-free diets. (Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make.

Now if I could only decide which one I’m going to make this year!

We’ve got an avalanche of appetizer ideas!

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Categories: The Sweet Spot | Tags: Desserts, New Year's, Party Appetizers, Pastries and Tarts
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