Today is the day I start singing 'It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeeeeeeear!'
You probably think I'm a bit late with that, but I love fresh starts, new beginnings, second chances, clean slates, do-overs, and all the things exactly like that! The start of a new year refreshes and renews my goals in life. You all set life goals every year, don't you? You really should---it's fun!
I will be ringing in the new year with our Kansas friends, and then the very next morning, we're officially moving to St Louis. It seems fitting to spend the last day of 2013 with old friends, and start the new year in a new city. Plus, hello easier taxes next year!
Normally, I'm a champagne-on-a-Tuesday kind of a gal. You know this. But, on New Year's Eve, I get even more excited. I infuse all of my desserts with champagne, too!
First up, champange sundaes with toasted pound cake croutons.
Any flavor of sorbet + your favorite bubbly = always a winning combination. Here's a little tip: use store-bought pound cake for the easiest assembly.
Next up: champagne cupcakes for two. This recipe only makes 4 cupcakes, so if you and your honey are spending New Year's Eve at home, this is perfect for you. The recipe only uses a glass of champagne---the rest is for you and your sweetie!
If you're looking for a champagne punch recipe, you're going to love my Champagne Sangria made with figs, orange zest, and plenty of warm spices. Try substituting dried figs soaked in Cointreau for the fresh figs. The recipe calls for a light red wine and a splash of Brut Rose (pink bubbles) before serving. So impressive!
And how about a little something icy? I modified my Sangria Sorbet recipe to use pink champagne instead of the wine. I love it love it LOVE IT. I can't get enough!
I feel like I have you where I want you: all good and boozy. You're welcome. Have a fantastic New Year's Eve, friends!
Check out these other festive desserts for New Year's Eve from around the internet:
Julia says
Have a wonderful NYE, my dear! And good luck on the move out to St. Louis the next day! Perhaps keep an extra bottle of champagne or two around for mimosas in order to celebrate the big move (and avoid hangover?) :)
Kim Bultman says
Christina, your perspectives on fresh starts made me excited about the New Year, too! Definitely something to toast. ;) Best wishes on your move and enjoy your bubbly!
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says
I love champagne-especially this time of year! Cheers to 2014 and good luck in your move!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
Cheers to 2014..hope the move to STL goes fine..STL is on my list to visit on 2014.
dishing up the dirt says
Happy New Year's friend. All of these treats sound fantastic. Good luck on the big move. It's going to be a fresh start for you guys for sure! Cheers.
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Mmm, all your champagne desserts look delicious! That pink sangria sorbet is such a pretty color. Hope moving goes well! What a perfect new start for the new year : )
Kathryn says
I love that you have a whole collection of champagne recipes; you are definitely a girl after my own heart! Best wishes for 2014 and for the move : )
Ordinary J says
Several months ago, one of my colleagues moved from Los Angeles to St Louis too.. All I know about St. Louis is from the movie "Meet me in St. Louis" and one of its songs in the same title by Judy Garland. So are you going to be working in the same kind of job there in Arg. Research? Are u moving there from Kansas? Oh BTW, nice post with photos of mouth watering food I wish I could make:)
Ashley says
Oh man, I am loving all these champagne recipes!! That sangria is calling my name : ) Good luck with the move and cheers to 2014!!
Laurie (FrostingAndASmile) says
Thank you for including my Chocolate Champagne Frosting on the list with all of these wonderful recipes! They all look so good. Happy New Year!