A Luxurious Three-Course Menu for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is the perfect opportunity to celebrate in style, and what better way to do so than with an elegant and easy-to-make three-course dinner? 

This menu combines flavorful dishes with simplicity and sophistication, making it ideal for impressing your guests without spending the entire evening in the kitchen. Each dish is paired with a drink suggestion to enhance the flavors and create a perfect harmony at the table.

Let’s create a memorable New Year’s celebration filled with taste and elegance!

Starter

Creamy Lobster Cappuccino with a Touch of Cognac

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cooked lobsters (can be substituted with crayfish)
  • 1 shallot (finely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
  • 2 dl cream
  • 3 dl fish stock
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp cognac (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh dill for garnish
    
    

• Instructions:

  1. Remove the lobster meat and set it aside. Save the shells and claws for the broth.
     
     
  2. Sauté the shallot, garlic, and lobster shells in butter in a saucepan. Add the tomato purée and cook for another minute.
     
     
  3. Pour in the fish stock and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain the broth and discard the shells.
     
     
  4. Add cream and reduce the soup slightly. Season with cognac, salt, and pepper.
     
     
  5. Use an immersion blender to create a frothy consistency.
     
     
  6. Place a piece of lobster meat in each bowl, pour the soup over it, garnish with dill, and serve.
     
     

• Drink Pairing:
  A dry champagne or a sparkling Chablis pairs beautifully with the elegant flavors of lobster.
  
  

Main Course

Beef Tenderloin with Potato Gratin, Red Wine Sauce, and Asparagus

• Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of beef tenderloin (approx. 150–200 g per person)
  • 800 g potatoes
  • 2 dl cream
  • 1 dl milk
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 dl grated Parmesan cheese
  • Asparagus
  • Butter and olive oil for cooking
    
    

• For the Red Wine Sauce:

  • 2 dl red wine
  • 1 dl veal stock
  • 1 shallot (finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (if the sauce needs thickening)
    
    

• Instructions:

  1. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Layer them with Parmesan cheese in a baking dish. Heat the cream, milk, and crushed garlic in a saucepan. Pour over the potatoes and bake at 200 °C for about 40 minutes.
     
     
  2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. Sear in butter and olive oil until golden brown. Finish cooking in the oven at 150 °C until the internal temperature reaches 55–58 °C for medium.
     
     
  3. For the red wine sauce, sauté the shallot in butter. Add wine and veal stock, then reduce to half. Strain the sauce and whisk in a knob of butter.
     
     
  4. Lightly boil the asparagus in salted water and serve alongside the beef, potato gratin, and sauce.
     
     

• Drink Pairing:
  A full-bodied and elegant red wine, such as a Bordeaux, Amarone, or Barolo, complements this dish perfectly.
  
  

Dessert

White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Raspberries and Mint

• Ingredients:

  • 2.5 dl cream
  • 100 g white chocolate
  • 1 gelatin sheet
  • 1 dl fresh or frozen raspberries
  • Fresh mint for garnish
    
    

• Instructions:

  1. Soak the gelatin sheet in cold water for 5 minutes.
     
     
  2. Heat the cream over low heat. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt it into the cream while stirring. Remove from heat.
     
     
  3. Squeeze the excess water from the gelatin and stir it into the cream mixture until dissolved.
     
     
  4. Pour the mixture into glasses or small bowls and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
     
     
  5. Top with raspberries and mint before serving.
     
     

• Drink Pairing:
  
  A glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Sauternes, Moscato d’Asti, or ice wine, makes for a perfect pairing.
  
  

This three-course dinner is perfect for ending the year with a flavorful experience. From a luxurious lobster cappuccino to set the tone, to a classic beef tenderloin and a creamy panna cotta to finish, each dish celebrates elegance and festivity.

With these drink pairings, you’ll enjoy a complete flavor journey that matches the magical atmosphere of New Year’s Eve.

Happy New Year and enjoy your dinner! 🎉🥂