Party Hardy (and Healthy)

A fellow teacher asked me for some yummy, healthy appetizers to serve at a get-together she was hosting (there's your shout out Charlene!). I happily obliged! It is such a compliment when people ask me to suggest recipes! It's sort of my take on the autograph request for an actress. Even better is the request for a recipe after one has tried it (such as the guacamole I made recently). I consider that an Oscar.

It is easy to find recipes for appetizers, not so easy to find healthy ones though. Upon googling "appetizer recipe" most of your options include anything fried, wrapped in bacon, and covered with melted cheese. Though fried, bacon-wrapped anything is absolutely delicious, it is anything but healthy.

The obvious healthy options are fruit and veggie platters. But if you want to show off your culinary skills, here are a few healthier options.

Homemade Guacamole is always a hit. People are impressed if you can prove that you know your way around an avocado, even more impressed at the deliciousness of the dish. PLUS you can vary this recipe depending on taste. Want a a little more spice? Double the chili powder. Have extra peppers or fresh veggies on hand? Dice them and add them to the mix. Serve this dip with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables. It will be a hit at any fiesta.

Holy Guacamole! Dip

2 avocados (Haas are best - the ones with the dark, wrinkled skin) peeled, diced and mashed

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 large tomato, peeled and finely diced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teapsoon chili powder

Dash of Hot Sauce (sometimes I leave this out)

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Chill at least 1 hour and serve.

Fruit Dip itself is not so healthy. However, I justify the fat and sugar content with the fact that it will be served with fruit. It is somewhat of a splurge, but always a hit. Some people vary this recipe by adding cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve this with any fruit that is in season.

What a Fruit! Dip

2/3 of an 8oz. jar of marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow cream to you non-New Englanders)

4 oz. (1/2 package) cream cheese, room temp (look for the 1/3 Less Fat cream cheese - Philadelphia brand sells a Neufchatel cheese (no, I did not sneeze letters, that is the correct name) at your neighborhood grocery store, look for it with the cream cheese!)

3 Tablespoons orange juice (or lime or lemon.... whatever you have on hand - bonus points for adding fresh grated zest!)

Beat all ingredients. Add more or less fluff to taste. Chill and serve.

Also easy are Tomato Kabobs. Simply skewer alternating cherry tomato and mozzarella balls. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and serve! This can be varied in crazy ways. I've seen the all-powerful Giada deLaurentis do this with: watermelon, basil, and tomato (YES you read that correctly). Get the creative juices flowing and get to kabob-ing!

Now get out there, dust off your serving trays and party like it's 1999 (minus the butterfly clips and Doc Martens).