Ringing in the New Year...

The  Brainy Gourmet has always been about sharing food and any information that is fast and frugal. If you are opting to stay at home for New Years, you are being brainy! The best parties are usually home parties because you control the mood, the food and the alcohol if you plan on serving any.

I usually do baked brie (check past posts); but this year, the plan is to do steamed mushrooms in buttery beef stock served with creamy garlic parmesean sauce along with some mushroom filled ravioli.

For steamed mushrooms you will need: fresh champignon mushrooms (1-2lb) depending on number of guests. Steam the mushrooms, washed and left whole, in one cup of beef stock with half a stick of butter. Once tender, ladle onto a serving plate, top with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and sprinkle with fresh green parsley.


For the creamy garlic parmesan sauce you will need: heavy cream, a few garlic gloves and fresh grated parmesan cheese. Melt the other half of the stick of butter in a separate sauce pan. Add crushed garlic from a few hulled cloves. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and about 1/2 cup of grate parmesan, stir until creamy.

For the mushroom filled ravioli... be frugal by buying them fresh or frozen. Boil until tender, top with the same creamy garlic and parmesan sauce, that recipe can be doubled if need be. And if red sauce is your preference, then use diced tomatoes or a marinara (jarred or homemade -see blog archive).

~ All the best to you and yours in 2019!

PS...A great way to dress up the table or room is to put out tinsel and old clocks... ask guests to bring one or two. Everyone can write a New Year wish and place it under their clock. Make it a point to invite a new face to share your brainy world with in 2019.





*External source ~ https://nypost.com/2014/12/26/skip-the-clubs-and-have-a-ritzy-but-reasonable-new-years-eve-party-at-home/