So many of us feel stressed this time of year.  Life can reach a fever pitch during the holidays and expectations can run particularly high for New Year’s Eve.  This might be the perfect year for a more low-key celebration.  A casual potluck gathering with close friends can take the pressure off everyone and is gentler on the wallet.  That’s why Cabot Creamery Cooperative, best known as “Makers of the World’s Best Cheddar,” is providing two delicious and innovative recipes that are perfect for any New Year’s Eve get-together.

“New Year’s Eve is such a versatile Holiday because there are so many ways to celebrate,” says Candace Karu, Cabot Creamery’s Lifestyle Commentator and Favorite Foodie.  ”Here are a few ideas to help you have a happy, healthy New Year’s Eve:

• If you’re entertaining and are strapped for time to prepare hors d’oeuvres, a beautifully constructed cheese tray is easy and elegant.  You can offer your guests a variety of cheeses, along with tasty accompaniments: fresh fruit like apples, pears, or grapes and dried fruits like apricots or cranberries pair beautifully with many kinds of cheese, as do nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.  Add a crusty sliced baguette or an assortment of crackers and your ready for the countdown.

• No matter where you plan to party, it’s always fun to play “Guess the Resolution.”  Have each guest write down his or her resolution and put it in a bowl.  Read each resolution aloud and have everyone guess who might have made it.

• Will children be part of your New Year’s Eve festivities?  How about planning a special meal that everyone can help prepare?  There are lots of great family-friendly recipes at http://www.cabotcheese.coop/recipes.  Afterward, games like Scrabble or Pictionary or motion-control games like Wii or Kinect can help make it a party everyone will love.

• Make a playlist for your party and dance the night away or sing along to oldies or Broadway show tunes.

• If you do decide to go out, celebrate responsibly.  Try to drink a glass of water between each cocktail. You’ll feel better all night and wake up happier, too.  Don’t forget to designate a driver before the party starts.

• Not everyone’s a night owl.  Don’t feel bad if you want to head off to bed early.  Why not begin the New Year by taking the family for a run, walk or hike?  Gathering at home for a celebratory brunch will add a festive air to the start of 2011.

“If you plan to pot-luck this year, Cabot has you covered with two unique and tasty recipes,” continues Candace.  ”For a new take on a perennial favorite, treat your guests to our savory, sweet and spicy Butternut Squash, Cranberry and Cabot Habanero Cheddar Wontons.   Or, for a more traditional – and extremely delicious – finger food, try our Asparagus-Prosciutto Rolls with Cabot Tomato Basil Cheddar Cheese.  But most important, as you look around the room and see your family and friends enjoying the great food and holiday celebration, remember to count your blessings on the countdown to the New Year.”

For loads of awesome recipes, visit http://www.cabotcheese.coop/recipes.

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Police have nabbed three teenagers responsible for break-ins of a plethora of cars in Brattleboro – a rarity for the usually crime-free town.

Hinsdale police stopped a car for a routine traffic violation when they learned that the bold kids stole the car from Hillwinds Road, where they did most of their dirty work. Incriminating the audacious kids further were items reported stolen from cars on that same road Saturday morning in their possession.

The troubled teens were taken into custody and turned loose upon their parents. Arrests will most likely be made.

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