Roscón de reyes: spanish three kings' cake with candied fruit
New Year's
New Year's calls for something tasty and something lucky — canapés and bites for a toast, fondue to linger over, and lentils for the first day of the year. Find party food and lucky-food classics. Whether you celebrate big or quietly at home, here's the menu.
Frequently asked questions
Why do people eat lentils on New Year's?
Lentils look like coins and are said to bring money and luck for the year ahead. Make them sweet or savory — tradition is tradition, and they taste good too.
What should I serve at a New Year's Eve party?
Canapés, open sandwiches, savory nibbles, and fondue you can sit around all evening. Food you eat with your hands and toast over.
What shouldn't you eat on New Year's Day?
By tradition, nothing that flies or runs — with poultry your luck flies off, with rabbit it runs away. Stick to lentils and pork; those keep luck at home.
How do I cook lentils so they don't turn mushy?
Soak them a few hours ahead, keep the simmer gentle, and salt only at the end — early salt keeps them tough, a hard boil breaks them down. Brown and green lentils hold their shape better than red.
Can I prep the New Year's Eve spread ahead?
Most of it, yes — spreads and deviled eggs a day early, open sandwiches and canapés in the afternoon. Come evening, you're just refilling trays and raising glasses.