We have never really been big New Year’s Eve celebrators, in fact, I think I have only made it to midnight once in the past 6 years! LOL! Last year we spent the evening at our neighbor’s house and made it past midnight! Probably had something to do with the multiple Red Bridge beers that I had that evening. Oh, that and another neighbor suckered me into playing Singstar with her. I say “suckered” because not only do I not sing, I certainly don’t sing in public. Well, I did that night. Boy, I feel sorry for those who had to listen. LOL!
There are many gluten-free drinks that those of us who have to follow the GF diet can enjoy. There are several GF Beers out there, including Red Bridge, Bard’s Tale and New Grist. There is hard cider, such as Woodchuck, which comes in all kinds of flavors, all of which are GF. Wine is gluten-free and a personal fave. I like reds the best, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also numerous liquors that are GF that can be enjoyed. Absolut (I am not sure about the flavored vodkas, so please verify before drinking those) & Stoli are both GF and wonderful with cranberry juice (Ocean Spray is GF, as is Northland) or 7-Up. Champagne is also gluten-free and a must at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Here is a nice list of gluten-free alcoholic beverages from www.celiac.com.
I don’t see a lot of celebrating going on tonight. My sweet daughter is recovering from the stomach flu, as am I, though I had a very mild version of it. I think the only reason I may make it until midnight is because I took 2 naps today! Yes, I said 2! I went back to sleep this AM after Hannah fell asleep on the couch. Then, I fell asleep this afternoon on the couch while watching my all-time favorite Christmas movie, Elf. It appears that USA is running Elf all day, or having an “Elf-a-thon”!
If we were feeling up to it, we would be having an appetizer night, as we do most New Year’s Eves. We do shrimp cocktail (naturally GF, as long as your cocktail sauce is GF , McCormick’s is), veggies & dip (T. Marzetti makes a GF dill dip), cocktail wienies (Lit’l Smokies are GF and we cook them with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce), nachos (made with Hormel chili w/beans & cheese), queso (Rotel Tomatoes & Velveeta) and the party nectar of the Gods, Buffalo Chicken Dip. For desserts & sweets, we usually gobble up leftovers from Christmas such as fudge (peanut butter & chocolate), gingersnaps & peanut butter blossoms.
Well, time to go check on the little girl. I hope you all have a fun & safe New Year’s Eve & day. Tomorrow I will be making my pork & sauerkraut, a tradition for good luck on the new year. I will make sure to share how I make it here in the next day or two.
Happy New Year ~ 2009!!!
