By The Paula Deen Test Kitchen

New Year’s Eve is one of the best nights of the year.  A night to celebrate the year that has passed, and full of excitement about what’s to come.  It is also a night where huge crowds of people pack into restaurants to celebrate with friends and family.  Save yourself the hassle of securing that hard to get dinner reservation and battling the crowds, this New Years invite your friends and family over for a southern dinner Paula Deen style.  Whether you live in the South or the North, these recipes will be sure to impress your guests.  An intimate night with the people you love the most.  What better way is there to ring in the New Year?

Satisfy your guest’s hunger while you put the finishing touches on the meal with Collard Green Wontons. A perfect one-bite appetizer full of Southern flavor, the crispy wonton works perfectly with the creamy cheesy center.  And, it’s great way to get your vegetables! It doesn’t hurt that they’re also alleged to bring you prosperity.

Hoppin’ John Salad is a wonderful side dish for your meal.  Full of beans and black-eyed peas (a staple in the South), this dish is hearty and delicious. Get a second serving for good luck!

For the centerpiece of the meal; Thyme Mustard Catfish With Black Eyed Pea Cakes.  A lightly fried and perfectly flaky fish, another southern classic.  Make the black-eyed pea cake patties ahead of time and cook them off when ready to serve.  If you can’t get catfish in your area or it isn’t your favorite fish you can substitute another thin white fish filet.

Jalapeno Cracklin Corn Bread packs a punch with the kick from the jalapeno and wonderful flavor from the cracklins.  Dollops of cornbread cooked in a hot skillet, the perfect vehicle for sopping up the extra sauce on your plate!

Cornbread Leek and Bacon Bread Pudding.  A great southern twist on bread pudding, the crumbly cornbread adds yummy flavor to this savory bread pudding.  The smoky bacon and ham adds a real depth of flavor, this dish is rich and creamy, impossible to resist.

A truly southern recipe, The Lady and Sons Okra and Tomatoes is a perfect vegetable side dish.  This stewed okra is a really warm and comforting dish.  It’s simple and flavorful and can be made ahead and re-heated when time to serve.

New Years Eve is a night of decadence, one last splurge before you commit to those New Years resolutions. Paula’s Chocolate Pecan Layer Cake is rich and delicious, a real show stopper!

And…to ring in the New Year, Paula’s Startini is a beautiful cocktail for such a festive occasion.

Nothing says comfort like a real southern meal, so cozy up with the people you love, pop the bubbly, and enjoy these classic southern dishes.

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