Good Eats

5 Recipes for Your New Year's Party

Throwing a party on New Year's Eve or hosting a gathering on New Year's Day? Patch has the recipes you'll need to keep your guests happy.

Here are 5 easy recipes you can make for your New Year's Eve or New Year's Day gatherings. Ingredients: To start, brown the beef in a medium saute pan. Drain the fat. Add the onions and bell pepper, and cook until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). In a Crock Pot, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, beans, pumpkin, chili powder, cumin, pumpkin pie spice, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Mix well. Next, add in the cooked beef and stir. Cook on low for six to eight hours, or on high for four hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top and your favorite corn bread. Enjoy! Ingredients: To start, mix the cream cheese, dressing and beer in a large bowl until you reach your desired …

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Countdown to the Top 5 New Year's Eve Parties

Local bars and restaurants host parties to ring in 2013 with a bang.

What: Second Annual New Year's Eve Ball Where: Downtown Main Martini Bar & Grille When: Monday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cost: $55 per person or $100 per couple Ticket Includes: Draft beer, featured martinis wine, appetizers, party favors, midnight snack, DJ Will's Dance Music and a champagne toast Dress to impress. Advanced ticket purchases only.   What: Celebration 2013 Presented by Maxim Magazien and Crystal Renee Where: The Pound! Bar and Grill When: Monday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cost: Dinner & Nightlife: $35 per person or two for $60 / Nightlife Only: $10 for men, $5 for women Ticket Includes: Dinner & Nightlife: choice of New York Strip or Salmon filet, potato and asparagus, shrimp cocktail appetizer, champagne toast, dessert …

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Weekend Countdown: 5 New Year's Options

Here's a look at what's happening around the Hartland area.

1. 'STRIKE IN THE NEW YEAR' Where: Striking Lanes, 1535 N. Old US 23 in Hartland Township (Howell mailing) When: 6:30 p.m. New Year's Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: $110 per couple; $60 per individual Why go: You can bowl (prizes available), hear good music, eat twice, have champagne and enjoy yourself in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. 2. BLUESCASTERS ROCK GRILLE 23 Where: Grille 23 Restaurant & Tavern, 1535 N. Old US 23, in Hartland (Howell mailing) When: The Bluescasters take the stage at 9 p.m.; come earlier for dinner to make sure you get a seat (reservations needed) Cost: Call 810-632-5080 and make a reservation as soon as possible to get a seat or for more information; various dinner specials are available; the ladies also get drink …

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Countdown to New Year's Eve: 5 Bars Hosting NYE Parties

Hartland area bars host parties with prices to fit just about any budget for New Year's Eve fun.

O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 1774 Old U.S. 23, in Hartland (Howell mailing), hosts a champagne toast to celebrate the Irish new year at 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended by calling 810-632-3400. The Bluescasters rock Grille 23 Restaurant & Tavern, 1535 N. Old US 23, in Hartland (Howell mailing), for New Year's Eve starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. It's ladies' night, so drink specials are available for the gals. A champagne toast at midnight followed by pizza after midnight is included (those 21 and older only are invited to this party). Call 810-632-5080 and make a reservation as soon as possible to get a seat or for more information. Fenton Winery & Brewery, 1545 N. Leroy St., in Fenton, has not one but two exciting events on…

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Hartland's Savvy Chefs

Ham Sandwich Buns Hit the Spot Any Time

Recipe is a Quinn Family favorite.

Looking for something easy to make for New Year's Eve? Ham Sandwich Buns have been the go-to sandwich in Sue Quinn's family for "40-plus years." "I remember it as a kid," said Quinn, explaining that her mom, Ruth Vax, used to make them regularly, especially for New Year's, though they're also good for other occasions such as Super Bowl parties or birthdays. You don't have to wait for a party, though, she says. The easy, tasty, tiny sandwiches can be eaten as a snack or meal anytime. They're great warmed up the next day, too. Quinn, a Brighton Township resident, is a nurse at the University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital. She and her husband, Pat, attend church at The River on 59, which holds its services at the Hartland Educational…

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