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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Your Guide to New Year's Eve Events in Metro Detroit

Here are two dozen dinners, parties and other events happening on the last night of the year.

From dancing and dinners to champagne toasts and late-night coney bars, there's lots happening on the last night of 2012 in southeast Michigan. Here's a roundup of events; add yours to the comments section here. Northville Nite New Year's Eve from 4-7 p.m.; $2-$10. Travel “Through the Decades” this New Years Eve 2012; as you enter the gates you will travel back in time to the Roarin’ 20’s and travel through the decades all the way to the future. Activities include crafts, huge inflatable games, slot car racing, carnival games, entertainment and much more. Northville Rotary Club will be selling hot dogs, pizza, and beverages. New Year's countdown at 7 p.m. Call 248-349-0203. A bash with kids in mind at The Memory Room in Clinton Township …

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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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Grin and Parent

Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the End of 2011

It's the last day of the year, but it's not too late for you—and the children—to go out with a bang.

Whether or not you have adults-only plans after the kiddos are in bed, a family-friendly celebration during the day is a fun way to include the youngest family members in the holiday season's final round of traditions. If you plan to stay home, liven things up by hosting a New Year's Eve (NYE) party at noon. Fill champagne glasses with juice and watch a video of last year's ball drop or create a tradition of your own. If you'd rather get out of the house, here's a short list of family-friendly NYE celebrations happening in our area. The area's only skating rink is hosting an open skate for the youngest among us from 1-7 p.m. today with a prize-filled balloon drop at 3 p.m. Admission costs $7 per skater. Adults and children who stay up …

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Weekend Countdown: 5 New Year's Weekend Options

Here's a look at what's happening around the Brighton area this weekend.

1. 'SHOE YEAR'S DAY HIKE' Where: Island Lake Recreation Area - Michigan State Park, 12950 Grand River, Brighton When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 Cost: The event is free, but admission to the park requires the "recreation passport"; if you don't have one, the cost is $10. It's good for one year and is available at any state park. Why go: This casual, easy, fun hour of hiking is everyone; you just have to want to get out and enjoy some fresh air. Stick around after the walk for a bonfire and snacks. Bring a roasting stick, family or friends, a water bottle, your camera and an outdoor or nature story to share around the fire. Two $50 Running Fit gift cards will be randomly distributed to lucky winners. 2. ROLLERSKATE EARLY OR LATE Where: …

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

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

1.  Downtown Main Martini Bar & Grille, 201 W. Main St. in Brighton, hosts a high-end party that includes a full, sumptuous buffet dinner, your choice of draft beer, selected martinis or wine, a large dessert table, party favors, a yummy midnight snack, live entertainment, giveaways for best-dressed party-goers in a room only open to those who've paid the $75 per person/$140 per couple price in advance; call 810-220-8900. 2. Fenton Winery & Brewery, 1545 N. Leroy St., Fenton, has not one but two exciting events on New Year's Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31. The first, a four-course dinner for $49, includes a drink before dinner and your choice of wine or beer pairings for each course, starts at 7 p.m. (It's only $32 if you prefer a non-alcoholic …

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Jason Alexander

6:21 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

I've seen him a couple times. He definitely does put on a show. You're in for a fun night!   more ›