Healthy New Year Snacks

If you’re hosting the New Year’s party at your house this year, you’re probably busy planning your menu, as well as the dessert, appetizers and snacks you’ll set out for your guests. Do you want to serve up a menu that won’t clog arteries and get the New Year off to a bad start? Try some of these recipes and ideas for healthy snacks and appetizers that your guests are sure to love.

 

Mini Greek Pizza Muffins

These bite-size little snacks taste just like Greek pizza and this recipe makes 24 of these little appetizers for your guests to devour. You can also make them ahead of time and store them safely for up to 2 days. A single muffin has only 40 calories and 4 grams of carbs! To make, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and cook 2/3 cup each red bell pepper and onion until tender. Let cool. Get your mini muffin pan ready and whisk together 1/3 cup each flour and whole-wheat pastry flour (look in the health foods section), 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Stir in 1/3 cup fat-free milk, 1/3 cup of fresh feta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of kalamata olives and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix with dry ingredients and fill muffin pans. Bake 13-15 minutes and serve.

 

Apple, Date and Cheese Dip

What’s a party without the dip? This sweet and spicy dip is easy to make and it’s always a hit with guests. It’s also high in potassium and fiber and very low in fat. To make, mix together 1/3 cup dried chopped dates, 1 extra large apple, peeled, cored and chopped, 1 teaspoon each of ground cardamom and cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and cook with 1/3 cup water over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until apple is tender, or around ten minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Next, stir in 8 ounces of softened light cream cheese, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Serve with a selection of fresh fruit and veggies like celery, carrots, apples and pineapples.

 

Amuse-Bouche

An Amuse-bouche is a small, single serving hors d’œuvre and this version is made with figs and walnuts. It has a very light, fresh taste and it’s actually good for you! The figs are also in season so this is the perfect snack to serve for New Year’s. To make, cut the tips off of 8 medium figs and quarter. Cut 16 slices of prosciutto in half lengthwise and wrap a piece around the bottom of each fig portion, allowing the fig to nestle in the meat. Spread about 1 tablespoon of Gorgonzola cheese over the fig and top with a toasted walnut half. You can serve these at room temperature as they are or drizzle with some balsamic vinegar and serve on baby arugula.

 

About the Author: Christine is a food and fitness writer for The Natural Ketosis Company. She enjoys trying out new recipes, running, and her two cats.