Mimosa Parfaits: Happy New Year!

Though never one to turn down the festive excitement of a big New Year's Eve party, I find nowadays I prefer the quieter, less frenzied celebration of New Year's Day. With no harried anticipation of the midnight hour, a more casual brunch or lunch takes a leisurely pace, perfect for resting up before returning to the hurry and flurry of everyday life. Of course still being in holiday mode, celebratory sweets and indulgences are a menu must, even if on the lighter side, after all of the seasonal excess.

I thought I'd try a twist on the classic brunch Mimosa by incorporating it's flavors of orange and champagne in a simple parfait, garnished with the obligatory strawberry of course. An online search yielded dozens of wonderful champagne and mimosa jellied desserts and molds recipes, I improvised with this easy version set in champagne flutes. Serve with fruit or your favorite brunch or luncheon fare
   

Mimosa Parfaits

You'll Need

for the orange layer

orange jello

(yes its trendy again!)

orange juice

Prepare jello according to package instructions, substituting orange juice for the cold water

pour layer into champagne flute leaving room for next layer and chill

I made six flutes but had some leftover 
for the champagne layer

I followed this recipe from the delightful 
teaspoonofspice.com 
and simply omitted the pomegranate seeds

• 1 1/2 tbs unflavored gelatin
•  (about 1 1/2 packages)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons sugar 
• 3/4 cup sparkling wine or champagne
• 
  
• In a medium glass bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. 
• Let soften for about 3 minutes
• Whisk in boiling water until gelatin is completely dissolved
• Whisk in sugar until dissolved. 
• Stir in champagne. 
• Reserve about 1/3 of a cup and chill in separate bowl.
• Pour the rest carefully over orange layer and pop in a sliced strawberry 
• Chill until firm (mine took about 40 minutes)

  

If desired, moisten the rims of the glasses and dip in sugar sprinkles. To add a bubbly foam on top, blend reserved champagne gelatin with hand mixer or whisk and spoon on top especially around inside edge of flutes where bubbles naturally form. 

Set on a tray and enjoy.

Don't worry they're spill proof!

 

Bottles of bubbly get adorned with finery (strips of fur craft trim and costume jewelry) after an idea from Pier One

Last years DIY party hat adds a festive touch while a bird marks the passing hour. Long ice tea spoons are perfect for tall glasses

a silver ball atop a vintage clock gives a tiny nod to Times Square

 ********** 

It's fun to give a nod to some of the unique New Year's traditions from around the world in your decor and tablescape with fun props/conversation starters.

Some Fun Facts:
In the US we have been watching the famous ball drop in Times Square since 1907
In Columbia carrying your luggage around on December 31st ensures a year of travel and adventure

Brazilians offer white flowers to the sea goddess on Mew Years to help their wishes come true

In the Philippines eating round shaped fruit like oranges promises good fortune
(I had both leftover from my Nutcracker post)

And of course champagne, feasts and smooching are thought to bring happiness and plenty in the coming year in the US and many countries around the globe

Wishing everyone health and happiness, love and laughter in the New Year!