Easy Apps for a Cheerful, Healthful Holiday
Easy Apps For a Cheerful, Healthful Holiday
Contributed by Sue Moores, M.S., R.D., Kowalski's Nutritionist.
The best get-togethers are the ones you get to join. Once guests arrive, no one likes being anchored to the kitchen prepping platters of food for others. Be at the party with these delicious, easy-to-fix appetizers that come together in minutes. You'll be serving up extra goodness because they're healthful bites, too. Your guests will be grateful, as the holidays often disrupt our otherwise yearlong wellness intentions, and you'll treat yourself to good health and a good time – a surefire recipe for a festive season.
Cocktail Shrimp
We love fully cooked garlic-herb grilled shrimp from the Seafood Department with warm romesco sauce from the Specialty Cheese Department.
- Healthy bonus: Antioxidant action from astaxanthin, a carotene that gives cooked shrimp its red color.
Filled Apricots
Top dried apricot halves with crumbled blue cheese and chopped pistachios. Drizzle with one of our many local honey options.
- Healthy bonus: Antioxidant-acting vitamin A and bone-building potassium.
Chips and Salsa
Serve cranberry or pomegranate salsa from the Prepared Produce Section with locally made Whole Grain Milling Co. Tortilla Chips.
- Healthy bonus: Fiber from both the chips and the salsa, plus vitamin C from the salsa to support the immune system.
Nuts
Keep it simple with a handful of locally made Patti's Nuts from the Grocery Department or Valencia almonds and/or candied walnuts from the Specialty Cheese Department.
- Healthy bonus: Healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium and fiber.
Hummus and Veggies
Choose from our robust selection of hummus, served with a rainbow of sliced bell peppers and other veggies. Dazzle your guests by topping the hummus with spicy roasted chickpeas, smoked paprika, freshly chopped herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Healthy bonus: Fiber, vitamin C and scores of phytonutrients.
Stuffed Peppers
Fill fresh halved mini bell peppers with guacamole or black bean salsa from the Prepared Produce Section. Finish with crumbled Cotija cheese.
- Healthy bonus: Vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber, plus lutein and zeaxanthin (two phytonutrients that support eye health).
Herbed Cheese
In a blender, swirl together 16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese with 3 tbsp. powdered ranch dressing mix. Serve with whole-wheat pita wedges and fresh vegetable bites.
- Healthy bonus: Calcium, potassium, protein and fiber.
Baked Brie
In a preheated 350° oven, warm a 7 oz. wheel of cheese for 5-7 min. Spoon warm caramelized onion or fig jam on top. Serve with sliced apples, pears and whole-grain crackers offering at least 2 grams of fiber per serving.
- Healthy bonus: Calcium, vitamin B12 and fiber.
Spiced Yogurt
On toothpicks, alternate red and green grapes with cubes of Deer Creek Prairie Breeze Cheddar from the Specialty Cheese Department. Serve with a yogurt dip made by mixing a 5 oz. container of siggi’s Vanilla Icelandic Yogurt with ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon.
- Healthy bonus: Calcium, protein and potassium.
Smoked Salmon
Smear a layer of spreadable cheese (such as Boursin) inside endive leaves; top with peppered smoked salmon. Garnish with fresh snipped dill or chives.
- Healthy bonus: Omega-3 fats, which help calm inflammation and benefit your heart, brain and joints.
Goat Cheese and Crackers
Sprinkle plain or herbed goat cheese with assorted dried fruits, roasted salted pepitas and a drizzle of local honey. Serve with whole-grain crackers.
- Healthy bonus: Fiber, iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A and C.
Loaded Dates
Slice Medjool dates in half; remove pits and fill with crumbled feta cheese. Top with sliced almonds and chopped fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Healthy bonus: Potassium and fiber, plus magnesium to benefit the heart and blood pressure.
Selection and availability of products vary by market.
