Appetizers, starters, snacks, salads, and cold dishes for Christmas and New Year's Eve

The Christmas and New Year's table is an occasion for joy, gatherings with loved ones, and culinary delight. Each appetizer brought to the table is a story, a tradition, and an opportunity to bring smiles to the faces of the guests. In this guide, I will provide you with a series of ideas and suggestions to create a diverse, rich, and appealing platter that will impress and delight the senses. Without focusing on complicated cooking techniques, we will concentrate on the right ingredients and how we can combine them to achieve a spectacular result.

Preparation time: 1-2 hours (depending on quantity)
Number of servings: 8-10 people

Festive Appetizer Platter

Main ingredients (quantities will vary depending on the number of guests):

- Sliced Salami
- Ghiudem (a type of Romanian cured meat)
- Cheese
- Mini appetizers with Sisi ham and sweet cheese
- Smoked bacon
- Bacon with sweet paprika
- Moldy cheese
- Stuffed eggs
- Fish roe salad
- Puff pastry appetizer with cabanos
- Puff pastry appetizer with meat and sweet cheese
- Meatballs
- Cheese and boiled potato balls
- Smoked mackerel
- Homemade head cheese
- Homemade liver
- Meat roll
- Olives
- Beof salad
- Pork jelly
- Green onions
- Cucumbers
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes

Suggestions for preparing appetizers

1. Sliced Salami & Ghiudem
These cold cuts complement each other perfectly. Slice the salami and ghiudem thinly and arrange them beautifully on a platter. You can add a few slices of cheese in between for a contrast of textures.

2. Mini appetizers with Sisi ham and sweet cheese
Use toasted bread or salty crackers as a base, add a thin slice of Sisi ham and a piece of sweet cheese. This appetizer is quick to make but very tasty.

3. Stuffed eggs
Boil the eggs, then cut them in half and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper, then fill the egg whites with this mixture. Garnishing with parsley or paprika adds a festive touch.

4. Fish roe salad
This is a delicacy appreciated by everyone. Use fish roe, oil, lemon juice, and a little water to achieve a creamy texture. Serve it with toasted bread.

5. Puff pastry appetizers
Use puff pastry to create mini-pies with cabanos or minced meat. Cut the pastry into squares, add the desired filling, then close them and bake until golden.

Meat and cheese balls
The balls are a treat that will surely bring smiles. Mix minced meat with spices, form balls, and fry them. For cheese balls, mix cheese with mashed boiled potatoes, form balls, and fry them.

Pork jelly and Beof salad
Pork jelly is a traditional dish, perfect for the festive table. Prepare it with pork meat and the necessary gelatin to achieve a firm texture. Beof salad, on the other hand, is a savory mix of boiled vegetables, meat, and mayonnaise, which pairs perfectly with the other appetizers.

Fresh vegetables
Don’t forget to include fresh vegetables on the platter! Green onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add a touch of freshness and color. Arrange them on the platter to create a pleasant contrast with the cold cuts and appetizers.

Serving and presentation
A beautifully arranged table will certainly make a good impression. Use large, deep platters, and for a special visual effect, you can use lettuce leaves as a base to place the appetizers. Add a few fresh herbs to bring a splash of color and flavor.

Combining with drinks
Festive appetizers can pair excellently with various drinks. A white or rosé wine pairs perfectly with meat and cheese dishes. You can also offer a little champagne or prosecco to celebrate special moments.

Useful tips
1. Plan ahead: Prepare some of the appetizers a day before to reduce stress on the party day.
2. Variety: Make sure you have a variety of textures and flavors to satisfy all tastes.
3. Presentation: The arrangement on the platter matters! Use different shapes and contrasting colors to create an attractive appearance.

Frequently asked questions
1. What can I substitute in the recipe?
You can replace the cold cuts with vegetable alternatives or vegan cheeses, depending on the dietary preferences of your guests.

2. How can I keep the appetizers fresh?
Cover the platters with plastic wrap or keep them in the fridge until serving time.

3. Can I prepare the appetizers a day in advance?
Most appetizers can be prepared a day in advance, but make sure to keep them in appropriate conditions to maintain freshness.

Conclusion
The Christmas and New Year's table would not be complete without a rich platter of appetizers that brings joy and flavor. With a little effort and careful selection of ingredients, you can create a memorable culinary experience for all your loved ones. Each appetizer is an opportunity to share traditions, savor moments, and create unforgettable memories. I hope these suggestions inspire you and help you create an impressive festive table!