| Let the countdown begin for fun food with this | | | | high speed, beat egg whites with cream of tartar |
| menu. Each winter, after the children's Christmas | | | | until foamy. Add half of the sugar, 2 tablespoons |
| presents have all been unwrapped and the | | | | at a time, beating constantly until sugar is |
| Menorah has been put away, there's a chance for | | | | dissolved and whites are glossy and stand in soft |
| adults and parents to party. New Year's Eve is a | | | | peaks. Rub just a bit of meringue between thumb |
| great time to catch up with friends, blow off | | | | and forefinger to feel if sugar has dissolved. In |
| some of the stress the holidays can cause and | | | | small mixing bowl at high speed, beat egg yolks |
| just have a great time. In fact, many look | | | | until thick and lemon-colored, about 3 to 5 |
| forward to New Year's Eve all through the year. | | | | minutes. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, water, |
| So, why not make your next New Year's Eve | | | | vanilla and salt (if desired) until blended. With a |
| party theme "Let the Countdown Begin"? | | | | sifter or sprinkle flour with a sieve over whites. |
| Start your planning off with some Let the | | | | Add beaten yolk mixture. Gently, but thoroughly, |
| Countdown Begin invitations and a menu to | | | | fold yolk mixture and flour into whites. Fill muffin |
| ensure your guests keep the date open. The | | | | cups 2/3 full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 |
| evening of the party, you'll need plenty of snacks | | | | degrees for 10-15 min or until done. |
| and hors d'ouerves to keep guests happy. A fun | | | | To make the espresso syrup for the cupcakes at |
| way to do this and integrate your Let the | | | | the Let the Countdown Begin party menu take a |
| Countdown Begin theme is to bring out a new | | | | small, heavy saucepan over high heat, combine |
| item every hour leading up to the big champagne | | | | the water, the remaining 1/2 cup confectioner's |
| toast at midnight. | | | | sugar and the espresso or coffee powder. Bring |
| You can Let the Countdown Begin by serving up | | | | to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat |
| a full menu comprised of bite sized snacks and | | | | and let cool. Use a fork to poke a few holes into |
| drinks like ten o'clock shadow cupcakes, 11 o'clock | | | | cupcakes so that they will absorb liquid. Pour |
| martinis and 12 o'clock resolution bagel pizzas. | | | | approximately ½-1 teaspoon of syrup onto |
| To make ten o'clock shadow cupcakes for your | | | | each cupcake. |
| Let the Countdown Begin party menu gather six | | | | Finally the you'll need to make the frosting for the |
| eggs, separated (separate when cold, allow to | | | | cupcakes for the Let the Countdown Begin party |
| come to room temp) 3/4 teaspoon cream of | | | | menu. In a medium bowl using an electric mixer |
| tartar, one cup sugar, divided, three tablespoons | | | | set on medium speed, beat together the |
| water, room temp, one teaspoon vanilla, 1/8 | | | | mascarpone cheese, confectioner's sugar and |
| teaspoon salt and one cup sifted all purpose flour. | | | | marsala until well blended. Add the cream and |
| Also for the espresso syrup you'll need ½ | | | | beat until fluffy, about 1 minute. Frost cupcakes |
| cup confectioners' sugar, 2/3 cup water and five | | | | with mascarpone/whipped cream mixture. Dust |
| teaspoons espresso powder. Finally you'll need | | | | tops with cocoa powder (I used unsweetened) |
| three cups mascarpone, one cup confectioners' | | | | and then sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings. |
| sugar ¼ cup marsala wine, and ¾ | | | | These cupcakes are sure to be the hit of the |
| cup heavy cream chilled. In large mixing bowl at | | | | menu at your Let the Countdown Begin party. |