If you’re planning a New Year’s party spread, make sure you have all the ingredients for the dishes. If you don’t, try and improvise with what you do have in your store cupboards. No one at the party will know whether it’s the authentic recipe or not. If you feel that you are taking on too much, just buy as many nimbles as you can and simply add your personal touch by making the relishes or dips. And talking of dips, how about doing a lucky dip - you could delegate some of the dishes to your friends and family.

I’m sure they’d be more than happy to muck in. Pamper yourself by purchasing a few luxury items such as smoked salmon. You don’t have to splash out but it’s a great psychological charm to carry you into the New Year which sets you up to aim high, prosper and achieve the goals you are targeting. Well, that’s my excuse for buying handmade chocolates. But above all, have a good time and may all your wishes come true in 2009!!

Click here for party recipe suggestions . Or pick one from a selection  below:

• Tomato, Onion and Chilli Salad
• INDIAN VIRGIN PUNCH (Sharbat)
• PRAWNS WITH GARLIC AND CHILLI (Prawn Patia)
• Cucumber Relish
  

Also catch me for 2 seconds on the 'I'm a PC' Microsoft ad. Click here to view the Microsoft adverton youtube or watch below. Blink and you might miss me!

Happy cooking! X Manju