Chips with sour cream dip, fried eggrolls or chicken wings, mayonnaise-based spreads with crackers—ever notice how these high-fat higher-calorie foods appear at nearly every holiday party? If you’re hosting this season—or if you’re bringing party food—set a new standard. Serve heart-healthy fare. Invite guests to bring a dish and do the same. (Even ask them to share their recipes.) Start with these easy party ideas:
- Make calcium-rich, yogurt-cheese party dip. Drain gelatin-free, low-fat yogurt in a yogurt strainer or a paper coffee filter set over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours, to drain to desired consistency. Flavor with herbs, or blue cheese and apple, or salmon and green onion.
- Bake low-fat “chips.” Cut wonton wrappers into wedges, spritz with vegetable oil spray, and dust with chopped herbs (oregano, rosemary) or garlic or chili powder. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until crisp. Serve with fruit chutney or salsa.
- Serve a red-and-green veggie platter. Make guacamole with crunchy red pomegranate seeds, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Serve with raw veggies: red bell pepper and grape tomatoes, and green beans, broccoli, celery, and zucchini spears. Tip: To brighten their color, microwave veggies (not tomatoes or celery) for 60 seconds or less, then plunge in cold water.
- Serve a rainbow of fruit: berries, kiwi, apple and pear slices, star fruit.
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