Snacks for a low-key New Year

JAKARTA (JP): Ready to drop after all the family get-togethers and running around to make sure you did not leave anyone out over the holidays? Desperately seeking a reprieve from the rich dishes of the past few days? Rest easy, because below are a couple of easy-to-make and tasty snacks to unwind with as you take in some New Year's entertainment.

Caramel Fruit Punch

* 200 ml passion fruit syrup * 100 ml lemon juice * 800 ml club soda

Spicy caramel * 300 g sugar * 100 ml water * a dash of cinnamon and clove powder

Makes 8 servings

1. To prepare spicy syrup, boil all the ingredients over medium heat until sugar dissolves and turns slightly brown. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, combine all juices in a pitcher, add spicy caramel, mix well. Pour in club soda.

3. Prepare eight individual serving glasses, pour in fruit punch mixture and add some ice cubes. Serve immediately.

Tip:

* Substitute the syrup with fresh passion fruit juice or with other favorite fruits such as mango, pineapple, guava or apple.

Croque

* 8 slices of white bread, crusts removed * 4 eggs * 300 ml milk * 150 ml double cream * 1 large onion, diced * 250 g mushrooms, diced * a dash of nutmeg powder * salt and pepper * 2 tbs butter * 3 slices of ham, diced * 150 g grated cheddar cheese

Serve with: * 100 g pickled cucumber, thinly sliced * 75 g diced onion * 75 g diced tomato * 50 g diced ham, fried

Makes 8 servings

1. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, double cream, blend well.

2. Put a frying pan over medium heat, stir in diced onion, mushroom, nutmeg, salt, pepper and butter. Stir fry until fragrant. Remove from heat.

3. Stir-fry sliced ham until crisp. Remove from heat.

4. Arrange bread slices on a baking tin, drizzle equally with half of the milk mixture. Top with fried onion mixture, ham and cover with grated cheddar cheese, drizzle with the remaining milk mixture.

5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.

6. Serve warm with pickled cucumber, diced onion and tomatoes.

Tips:

* Create other variations by using hardboiled eggs, chicken, bacon, smoked beef or whatever you like. Be creative, enjoy and have a happy New Year. (Maria Endah Hulupi)