Every good guest knows you should never go to a gathering empty handed and every good host knows a party just isn’t complete without hors d’oeuvres! Appetizers are the quintessential addition to any get-together. But during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s typical to go from one event to the next. Having to cook for and eat at holiday party after holiday party makes it easy to get lost in the shuffle. Many appetizers are just a big dose of fat and calories in a small package, and having to prepare dish after dish just adds to your already busy schedule. That’s why we scoured some of our favorite magazines to compile this list of portable, poppable crowd-pleasers that are easy to make — and best of all, they’re actually healthy — what a jolly idea!
Mini Brie & Apple Quiches
You can make thirty of these merry little quiches in just under a half an hour. Brie and apples are a classic winter pairing while mini phyllo cups make this recipe both easy and elegant. You can find phyllo cups in the freezer section of your grocery store and you don’t even need to defrost them before filling and baking! These treats from EatingWell taste amazing, and with only 39 calories and two grams of fat per quiche, they are good for you too! Visit eatingwell.com to get the full recipe.
Mini Caprese Bites
These red, green and white Caprese bites from Southern Living are the perfect holiday popper — they even have the appearance of Christmas ornaments when arranged on a platter. And they take mere minutes to make! Just skewer simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls and sliced basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. What could be simpler? For this festive recipe and more, check out Southern Living online.
Mini Meatballs
We love a good slow cooker recipe, and Molasses-Lime Meatballs from Better Homes and Gardens are definitely on our “nice” list this year! These lean meatballs contain beef, sausage…. and oats! Rudolph would be proud. Topped with a sweet, tangy dressing, nobody will ever guess the secret ingredient! Go to bhg.com to get the complete recipe. You may even send us a thank you card later!
Pea Crostini
This recipe from Health magazine looks impressive but it’s actually very simple to make. Wow the crowd by blending 1 1/2 cups thawed frozen peas, 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper in a food processor. Top 30 crostini with a little goat cheese and a spoonful of the gorgeous green puree, and garnish with a slice of red radish or beet. It’s holly jolly! Check out health.com for the complete recipe.
Links to Recipes:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/mini_brie_apple_quiches.html
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mini-caprese-bites
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/molasses-lime-meatballs/
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306663_8,00.html
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