Q. Paula, I’m hosting a New Year’s Eve Party and it’s cold outside. Should I mix cold and hot appetizers, or keep them all hot?

A. Great question Jonathan! We always think since it’s cold outside our guests will be chilled in our homes. I’ve been known to get both fireplaces going and before you know it, it’s so hot in the house you could fry an egg on the coffee table and we have to open the doors to the back porch! So, yes I always like to mix cold and hot appetizers. Having an equal number of hot and cold foods is also helpful so that while one appetizer is heating in the oven, a cold one can be circulating, keeping everyone nibbling. Some of my favorites are Crab Cakes (I like to make them bite size for parties), Spicy Oyster Shooters and Pickled Okra Sandwiches.