Light Bites for New Year's Celebrations

Tasty Appetizers for a Healthy Holiday Party

As we transition into the New Year, it’s time to shed excuses of why eating that second (or third) piece of pie is totally ok, and focus instead on gliding into 2019 feeling great. Check out a few delicious light bites that will keep that post-Christmas belly bulge at bay while moving into a new routine.

Cucumber Bites with Hummus & Rosemary

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cucumbers, sliced (note this will depend on number of guests)

• 2 cans (15 ounces) organic chick peas, drained and rinsed

• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• Salt and pepper

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 cup of low fat organic yogurt (plain)

• Cilantro, finely chopped

• Organic grape tomatoes

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients (minus the cucumber) to a food processor or high speed blender until smooth.

2. Place hummus on sliced cucumbers, top with sliced tomatoes, serve and enjoy!

Veggie Crudités with Green Goddess Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove

• 1 cup packed avocado

• 7-8 tbsp water

• 5 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley

• 1/2 cup packed green onion (dark green part only)

• 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

• Sweetener, to taste (1/2 tsp agave)

Directions:

1. Add garlic clove to food processor. Blend until finely chopped.

2. Add in water, oil, avocado, herbs & onion and process, adding lemon juice and apple cider vinegar slowly stopping to taste. Add salt to taste.

Place in serving bowl and surround with your favorite veggies, serve and enjoy!

Rosemary Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces goat chevre

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped

• ¾ teaspoon thyme chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon dried lavender buds chopped

• Kosher salt to taste

• 15 large baby bella mushrooms

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a small mixing bowl, add goat cheese, herbs and salt. Mix well.

3. Wash the mushrooms and pat dry. Remove stems and gills from the mushrooms. Scoop goat cheese mixture into mushroom caps, and place mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until juices are seeping out of the mushrooms, and the goat cheese is crisp and golden brown on top.

4. Serve and enjoy!