Make this Scotcheroo Hot Cocoa for a “mug of Midwestern comfort,” courtesy of Jacob Schroeder, owner of Crafted Food Services. Photo: Dera Burreson. Stylist: Sammy Mila
Writer: Karla Walsh
New Year’s Eve is just three days away. Have you made your Friday evening plans yet to ring in 2022? If not, I have some bad news and some good news…
The bad news: Several local events as well as many local restaurants are fully booked unless you want to dine at 4 p.m.
The good news: You can steer clear of any crowds and cold weather, define your own dress code (PJs, please, slippers optional!) and likely save a good amount of dough by staying home and cooking a restaurant-inspired meal from scratch.
So with that in mind, I’ve pulled together some of the greatest hits from our Snagged the Recipe column, where we tap Des Moines-area food pros to share their secret sauce—plus exactly how to re-create one of their beloved dishes or drinks at home. In addition to your Friday night food and drink lineup, you’ll find ideas for Saturday morning brunch.
One 2022 resolution we can all agree on? To eat more dishes this delicious.
Drink: Crafted Food Services’ Scotcheroo Hot Cocoa. Start the night by brewing up a dessert-inspired drink that will warm your bones.
Entree: Mulberry Street Tavern’s Roast Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce and Grilled Romaine Salad. Inspired by Peruvian flavors, this juicy, flavorful chicken recipe comes complete with a side salad.
Dessert: Tami’s Tarts’ Chocolate Tart With Bourbon Caramel and Sea Salt. One of the beloved baker’s best-sellers, this decadent sweet can be made almost entirely ahead if you’d like to get a head start on Thursday.
Midnight Toast: Copenhagen Sparkling Tea or one of these three holiday-worthy sparkling wines. Pop open a bottle of complex-tasting but alcohol-free (translation: hangover-proof) sparkling tea. Or opt for a classic cava or sparkling wine; all are available at local retailers.
New Year’s Day Brunch: Eatery A’s Quiche Florentine with Creme’s Banana Bread Pudding. Wake up to a bright start. Both the egg tart and the banana bread-flavored cinnamon roll bread pudding can be made a day ahead and reheated once you’re ready to officially start your new year.
