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Christmas lights are still glowing if the tree has survived and it has for sure if you have an artificial tree.

Most of the gifts have been put away, unless you have young children and games and toys all over the floor! I remember quite clearly about this when our children were little. I don't know if you have made New Years resolutions or not. I'm in the "have not" category because I never seem to follow through with them, except for maybe trying to be a Grandma who always has cookies in the cookie jar. I do rely on a package of Oreos to keep myself in good graces with the grand kids...and Bud. It's not about cookies today but about getting ready to get a new calender to put up. For some, just before doing that, it's time to think about what to serve and who to invite if you're going to have a New Year's Eve party at your home.

So, I have some ideas that you might think about for just that... what to serve.

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Let's start with finger foods.

CRESCENTS 'N SAUSAGE ROLL-UPS

1-8 oz. can of refrigerated quick crescent dinner rolls

2 T. butter margarine

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1-1/2 t. oregano leaves

8 brown and serve sausage links

Separate dough into 4 rectangles; press perforations to seal. Brush each with margarine. Combine cheese and oregano; sprinkle over dough. Cut each rectangle crosswise to form 2 squares. Place a sausage link on each square; roll up. Cut each roll into 3 or 4 pieces, secure each with a toothpick. Place cut side down on ungreased cookies sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Make 23 snacks.

Note: You can make these ahead of time before cutting into pieces refrigerate covered.

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BRAUNSCHWEIGER SPREAD

1/3 c. braunschweiger or liver sausage

1-1/2 t. drained pickle relish

1/4 t. garlic salt

1-1/2 t. Worchestershire sauce

1-8 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. chopped peanuts or pecans

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except nuts; mix well. Chill about 15 minutes for easy handling. Shape into ball; roll in nuts. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours until firm and flavors have blended.

Serve with crackers or small slices rye bread.

Makes a 3-inch ball.

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LOW-CALORIE

VEGETABLE DIP

1 c. plain yogurt

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. dill weed

1/8 t. garlic salt

3 green onions, finely chopped

dash of pepper

1 t. honey

In a small bowl or blender, combine all ingredients; mix well. Refrigerate several hours to blend flavors.

Makes 1 cup.

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SALAMI STACK UPS

2 t. chopped chives (can use finely chopped green part of onions)

2 t. mayonnaise or salad dressing

dash of tabasco sauce

3-oz package cream cheese, softened

25 thin slices salami - about 1/8-inch slices (ask the deli people to slice it for you)

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except salami; mix well. Make 5 stacks of 5 slices each, spreading cheese mixture between slices. Wrap and chill several hours. Cut each stack into 6 wedges.

Serve on cocktail picks.

Makes 30 appetizers

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It's been a good year for us, enjoying family and friends and good health. We are hopeful that 2009 will bring us the same, and you as well. If you are celebrating New Year's Eve with friends or family, keep in mind that the safest way to get home is NOT to drink and drive. If you do think you might drink alcohol, bring a sleeping bag along and I bet the host and hostess will let you sack out on the floor!

We wish for you a good year in 2009!

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