In these festive months, it’s a good idea to have healthy food options for your guests to prevent guilt in the new year. Here are a few appetizer ideas to keep your holiday season healthy, fun, and oh-so-delicious.
Recipe 1: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Make use of the seeds left over from making Jack o’ Lanterns or homemade pumpkin pie. Let your creativity guide you with the spices and flavors you use as seasoning. Seasoned salt, garlic salt, pepper, and various spice blends are all great options.
- First, wash your seeds thoroughly after scooping them out of the pumpkin.
- Boil the seeds in salted water for about ten minutes.
- Spread them on a cookie sheet, lightly coat with olive oil, and add spices according to your taste.
- Roast in a 350-degree oven until they are lightly browned (which should take about 15 minutes). Original recipe here
Recipe 2: Kid-Friendly Boiled Egg Snowmen
These egg snowmen are a hit with kids — and they’re packed with essential protein and nutrients (find out more about the health benefits of eggs).
Ingredients for kid-friendly boiled egg snowmen
- 12 hard-boiled eggs, 6 small and 6 large
- Peppercorns
- Carrots (full size, not baby carrots)
- Skewers (wooden)
- Parsley sprigs (Optional, to make your snowman have a broom)
- Uncooked spaghetti noodle
How to make kid-friendly boiled egg snowmen
- After boiling the eggs, remove the shells and cut off a small section of the top and bottom.
- Slice the carrots from each end so that they are approximately a quarter inch thick.
- Stack the small egg on top of the larger egg, and insert the skewer to create a hole.
- Insert the uncooked spaghetti noodle into the hole that you just created. Use two sections of the carrot to make a top hat, and stack it on the uncooked spaghetti noodle as well.
- Use the skewer to ‘pre-drill’ a hole in the carrots so you don’t break your spaghetti noodle.
- Use the skewer to poke holes in the eggs for the eyes, nose, and buttons. Peppercorns can be used for the buttons and eyes, carrot for the nose, and if desired, a parsley sprig for a little broom.
- Original recipe with photo can be found here.
Recipe 3: Caprese Salad on a Stick
These amazing appetizers are packed with festive Christmas color and unbeatable flavor.
Ingredients for Caprese salad on a stick
For 24 servings you will need 24 of the following:
- Grape tomatoes
- Fresh mini mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- 24 toothpicks
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove minced garlic
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
How to make Caprese salad on a stick
- Each toothpick should have a mozzarella ball, tomato and folded piece of basil. Skewer one of each, and prepare to dress.
- Make dressing by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic together and drizzling over your caprese salads on a stick. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
Original recipe and photo here
Looking for More Healthy Holiday Recipes?
Get your party going with these ideas:
