celebrating new year’s eve
Are you looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year with your residents? New Year festivities are enjoyed all over the world. Why not take your residents on a trip around the world this New Year and celebrate with delicious foods and fun-filled activities.
We’ve got some great ideas for either a lunch or a supper celebration.
italy
Italians are known to be superstitious. The night of San Silvestro (New Year’s Eve) offers the perfect occasion to perform some traditional rites that are meant to bring good fortune for the coming year. Eating lentils and/or grapes is believed to bring good luck, wearing red is thought to fend off negativity and to help with happiness and a kiss or hug under mistletoe is a symbol of protection and love.
LUNCH
- Bruschetta Chicken Salad, featuring Maple Leaf Chicken Souvlaki, serve with garlic bread
- Italian Turkey Stuffed Peppers, featuring Maple Leaf Skinless Turkey Dinner Sausage
SUPPER
- Chicken Cacciatore, featuring Maple Leaf Chicken Souvlaki, serve over rice or pasta with vegetables
- Veal Milano, featuring Maple Leaf Breaded Veal Cutlet, serve with desired pasta, garlic bread and caesar salad
- Vegetarian Pizza Casserole, featuring Maple Leaf Field RoastItalian Crumble, serve with a tossed salad
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europeans welcome the New Year with special foods thought to bring good luck, health and prosperity. Pork is considered a symbol of progress because pigs move forward when they root around for food on the ground. Serving pork at the start of the new year signifies a “moving forward” trajectory in life.
LUNCH
- German Potato Salad with Sausage, featuring Maple Leaf Country Sausage, serve with leaf lettuce, tomatoes and cheddar cheese
- Scalloped Bacon & Egg Bake, featuring Maple Leaf Ready Crisp Pre-Cooked Bacon Slices, serve with pumpernickel or rye bread and tomato slices
Portugal
Similar to the Italians, the most popular tradition in Portugal is centered around a dried grape; the raisin. At the stroke of midnight, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins which represent the 12 months for look luck in the coming year.
LUNCH
- Breaded Chicken with Portuguese Dipping Sauce, featuring Maple Leaf Chicken Dippers, serve with Potato wedges and salad
- Portuguese Pork Ribette, featuring Maple Leaf BBQ Pork Rib, serve with pita wedges
SUPPER
- Pork Cutlette with Raisin Sauce, featuring Maple Leaf Breaded Pork Cutlette, serve with mashed potato and vegetables
- Traditional Portuguese Roasted Chicken, featuring Maple Leaf IQF Chicken Leg, Bone-in, No Back, serve with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables
The middle east
Whether it’s in Morocco, Turkey, Lebanon or Spain, New Year’s celebrations in the middle east are full of unique traditions and delicious food shared amongst family and friends.
LUNCH
- Seared Beef Fattoush Salad, featuring Maple Leaf Shaved Steak, serve with pita chips on the side
- Chicken Shawarma with Traditional Garlic Sauce, featuring Maple Leaf Chicken Shawarma, serve with salad
SUPPER
- Moroccan Glazed Chicken Leg. featuring Maple Leaf Chicken Leg Bone-In (IQF), serve with couscous or rice and seasonal vegetables
- Chicken and Chickpea Stew, featuring Maple Leaf Chicken Breast Chunk Meat, serve on rice
