ISO suggestions for Bunco menu

[Melman]

It's time to host my annual Bunco event. My Bunco group has themes each month, though after playing for 12-14 years, it's tough to be creative and find themes that haven't been used in the past.

I have a vague idea of what I want to do for a theme but can't come up with any great ideas for food. I moved to a new house last July (after being in my old house for 20 years)...and this will be the first time the majority of the group has been here. Since it's also the new year, I really want to use a theme that is based on "New"....new year, new beginnings, new home, new fill-in-the-blank.

I always get great ideas from the BB (and, yes, I always give you guys credit!!!), so I'm back looking for suggestions. Ideas so far:
* Recipes that use the word "New" (I had a New England Bunco last January so I've already served New England Clam Chowder).
* Recipes out of brand new cookbooks (I have SEVERAL new ones including CL Annual 2009, Shirley Corriher's "Bakewise", Ellie Krieger, and Eating Well Comfort Food.)
* Recipes I've never made in the past so they're new to me.

I've tried to search on recipes with the word "New" in the title, but that's evidently impossible.

As far as the type of food, I'm pretty flexible. I can go with heavy appetizers, or entree and sides, or however I want to put things together.

What kind of "NEW" ideas will be suggested?????

THANKS!!!!

[applecrisp]

I'm not coming up with much.....

New potatoes stuffed with...

Fig NEWtons.

I'll keep thinking.

[Melman]

New potatoes was the only other "new" item that's come to mind. Hadn't thought of Fig NEWtons. Of course, there's always NEWfchatel.

(UGH!)

[applecrisp]

Lobster NEWburg.

[EmptyNestMom]

How about food for the New Year...traditional food from around the world...or at least the ideas. Here is a blog I found that talked about different foods eaten either New Year's eve or New Year's day and what they symbolize.

http://www.blogher.com/eat-some-luck...erous-new-year

Maybe use some of the ideas. I am not very creative but thought this looked like a possible starting place

[zoey55]

Mustn't forget your Beaujolais 'New'veau !!

[Melman]

I really like the idea of New Years Day foods from various places. That's a great link...THANKS! I'm definitely checking out these options!!!

The NEWveau can go with the NEWfchatel.

[gigicancook]

When is your Bunco? Mine is February 2nd and I am doing Chinese New Year..................all chinese food and drinks. Tonight was our January Bunco and I just passed out a bunch of Chinese outfits and pajamas for everyone to wear next month. My group knows when they come here it is a full fledged theme party going on. Now if I can only come up with 12 Tom Collins glasses for my Singapore Slings.

[Melman]

I came across a recipe for Chinese chicken salad last night and was reminded that Chinese New Year should be soon. My Bunco is January 22, and it looks like CNY is January 26. This is a REALLY good idea! I may end up having to choose between CNY and New Years "lucky" foods. THANKS!