Healthy Party/Snack Recipes

It is party season!  Everywhere we turn there is a new party/event that we need to bring a treat to.  As yummy as everything is, it is nice to have a lighter and healthier version to take!  Here are some of my favorites:

Caprese Salad.  

It is one of my all time favorite things to eat and my first go to for parties!  It is so simple to make but is so easy to change up.  For dinner, I simply cut my tomato, salt and pepper it, add the mozzarella slice, throw on basil and top with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and either balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinegar glaze.

For parties, I like to spruce it up a bit.  Some fun ideas include putting mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, and basil leaves on a skewer.  Or, you can use a slice of artisan bread (today I used sourdough) and top with the tomato, cheese, chopped basil, EVOO, and balsamic vinegar glaze.
Another fun variation is using avocados!!    

"Banana Ice Cream."  

EASIEST thing to make in the world!  Mash a frozen banana (made easier with a wonderful blender!) with vanilla.  Eat.  The texture really is like ice cream.

Hummus.  

Can't go wrong here.  The nice thing about hummus is that you can make your own or buy it.  Every grocer has it these days.  Pairs nicely with any veggie as well as pita bread.  It also is a nice condiment for sandwiches!

Salsa. 

Here is my favorite salsa recipe:

Cranberry Avocado Salsa
courtesy of Martha Stewart

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 TBSP fresh lime juice, 2 TBSP honey, 1 minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), and 1/4 cup chopped red onion.  Add 2 ripe avocados, cut into 1/4 inch pieces, 3/4 cup halved cranberries, drained well on paper towels, and 2 TBSP chopped fresh cilantro.  Season with salt and pepper.  Toss gently to combine.

Snacks:

I just found a recipe for dipping grapes into melted white chocolate.  Haven't tried it but it sounds delish!!

I have just found this cookie recipe that I love!!  Beware: because it does not use flour, it is a very soft cookie.  Plan on eating these cookies within 24 hours for best taste!

Apple Spice Cookies
courtesy of Tone It Up

SERVINGS

12 cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2
  cup oats
• 1
  scoop vanilla Protein powder
• 1/4
  cup ground flax seed
• 1
  egg
• 2
  medium apples, diced and peeled
• 1/4
  cup coconut oil, melted
• 1
  banana, smashed
• 1
  tsp. vanilla
• 1
  tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4
  tsp. salt
  
  
  STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350° degrees. 

STEP 2: Mash banana in medium bowl. Add egg, coconut oil and vanilla and stir. In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Combine wet mixture into dry and stir until fully incorporated. Peel & dice apples. Fold apples into batter. 

STEP 3: Place parchment paper onto a baking sheet. Use a spoon to place cookie batter onto baking sheet. Makes 12 cookies. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Note: I did not have flax seed on hand and used chia seeds instead.  Worked perfectly!!