There’s nothing like gathering with friends and family to ring in the New Year together. It’s also a perfect event for “grazing,” or filling up on snacks as opposed to a traditional sit-down dinner.

The following recipes would perfectly complement any New Year’s Eve celebration. Aside from being delicious, they’re also quick and easy to prepare.

Happy New Year!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Recipe by Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

• Assorted crackers

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, cranberries, apricots and orange zest until blended. Chill until serving. Serve with crackers.

Quick BLT Dip

Recipe by Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, Illinois

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes

• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, optional

• Assorted crackers

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, tomatoes and bacon. Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with green onion if desired. Serve with crackers.

Dill Vegetable Dip

Recipe by Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

• 1 teaspoon dill weed

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

• Assorted fresh vegetables

Directions

Combine the first six ingredients; mix well. Cover and refrigerate. Serve with vegetables.

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

Recipe by Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

• 3/4 cup cherry yogurt

• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow crème

• Assorted fresh fruit

Directions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and yogurt until blended. Fold in whipped topping and marshmallow creme. Serve with fruit.