New Year's Eve Dinner

What's your ideal New Year's Eve? Mine is eating a delicious dinner with a small group of loved ones--without spending a fortune. If you're searching for an easy menu for six, look no further. These recipes are not only simple to prepare, but they're made with economical ingredients.

Easy Economical New Year's Eve
 (serves 6)

• Pear-and-Gorgonzola Crostini
• Chicken With Artichokes
• Green Beans With Mushrooms and Sage
• Yellow rice
• Chocolate Mousse With Orange Liqueur

 

GAME PLAN 
The day before:

• Prepare Chocolate Mousse With Orange Liqueur, and chill overnight.

New Year's Eve morning:

• Toss pears in lemon juice; cover and chill.
• Cook bacon, and set aside.
• Cut and trim green beans, and chop sage and chocolate.

New Year's Eve afternoon:

• Bring water to a boil, and simmer green beans. Plunge into cold water, and set aside.
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Slice French bread, and toast walnuts.
• Cook chicken in skillet. While chicken is cooking; sauté sage and mushrooms in a another pan.
• Assemble Pear-and-Gorgonzola Crostini.
• Finish preparing chicken and green beans.

GROCERY LIST

Staples on hand

• paprika
• salt and pepper
• dried Rosemary
• olive oil
• produce
• 1/2 bunch green onions
• 1 pound green beans
• 1/2 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 pear

General

• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1 French bread loaf
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 (5-ounce) package yellow rice mix
• 1 (4-ounce) package sweet chocolate baking bars
• 4 (1-ounce) semisweet chocolate baking squares
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon orange-flavored liqueur
• 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Dairy

• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 cup Gorgonzola cheese
• 4 teaspoons milk
• 2 1/2 cups whipping cream

Meat

• 6 skinned and boned chicken breast halves
• 4 bacon slices