Healthy Holiday Hors d’Oeuvres

With the holiday season in full swing, there may be more time for eating and less time for preparing healthy meals. Many of us may either entertain family and guests or attend other holiday parties and be asked to bring a dish to the party. Instead of buying something maybe not as healthy or already made at the store give these a shot. These three excellent healthy hors d’oeuvre recipes are offered up by Lisa Cooper, Registered and Licensed Dietitian with the Orlando Health Center for Health Improvement will bring a little healthy to your holidays. Remember small choices can lead to a healthier and happier you. We’re here to help!

Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS
2 quarts of cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 1 1/2 lbs.)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup + 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, separated
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
6-8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or chopped
1 whole grain French baguette or similar whole grain Italian bread from bakery
Sea salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 450°F with a rack in the top slot of the oven.
Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters and squeeze out most of the juices and seeds.
Toss tomatoes with garlic, 1 Tbsp olive oil, vinegar and basil
Stir in the thinly sliced basil and add salt and black pepper to taste.
Use a bread knife to slice the baguette on the diagonal making half-inch thick slices. Brush one side of each slice with olive oil and place olive oil-side down on a baking sheet or roasting pan.
Place the slices in the oven on the top rack and toast for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned around the edges.
Arrange the toasted bread on a platter, olive oil side facing up. Top each toasted bread slice with some of the tomato mixture. Serve immediately.

Yield: Makes 24 small slices

Adapted from:  https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/bruschetta_with_tomato_and_basil/

Nutrition per slice
57 calories, 3g fat, 0g saturated fat, 54mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 1g protein

Nutrition per 4 slices
171 calories, 10g fat, 1g saturated fat, 161mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 3g protein

Adapted from:  https://www.wellplated.com/garlic-feta-dip/

Nutrition per serving
66 kcals, 4g fat, 2g saturated fat, 232mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 4g protein

Garlic Feta Dip

INGREDIENTS
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
4 ounces light cream cheese — Neufchatel cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
2-3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

For serving:
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Whole grain crackers, baby carrots, cucumber slices

INSTRUCTIONS
Place feta, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, lemon juice, oregano, and black pepper into food processor. Blend until smooth.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Just before serving, sprinkle with diced bell pepper, and parsley. Serve immediately with crackers and a variety of raw vegetables.

NOTE to lower sodium – use a low sodium feta or substitute goat cheese

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skewers

INGREDIENTS
1  1/2 lbs. shelled and deveined shrimp
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
20 small skewers

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray 2 large nonstick baking trays with cooking spray.
Toss the shrimp, garlic, oil and crushed red pepper in a bowl.
Skewer the shrimp onto wooden skewers (3-4 per skewer).
Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast 6 to 8 minutes or until the shrimp turns opaque.
Squeeze lemon over the shrimp and garnish with parsley.

Yield: 8 servings

Adapted from:  https://www.skinnytaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/easyroastedgarlicshrimpwithlemon-4-170×255.jpg

Nutrition per serving
89 kcals, 2g fat, 0g saturated fat, 101mg sodium, 0g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 17g protein