12 Healthy Holiday Appetizers Slideshow
These sweet potatoes get an extra burst of sweetness from fresh blueberries, and the cinnamon and honey folded in masks the fact that you're eating something that's actually good for you. Served in mini ramekins, it's the perfect holiday treat to pass around.
Ahi Tuna Wonton Crisps
The best thing about this recipe, is that your guests will enjoy sushi-grade tuna without any extra costs to you. It calls for the tuna to be diced up into 1/8-inch cubes, so ½ pound of quality tuna goes a long way.
Baked Sweet Potato Sticks
That vibrant orange color isn't just for show — sweet potatoes are actually an amazing source of vitamin C, along with other daily recommended vitamins. This recipe gives them a healthy crunch by baking them, rather than frying.
Eggplant Caponata
Caponata is an authentic Italian dish of stewed eggplant and other seasonings. Chef John Brandt-Lee of Avalon Restaurant uses crispy flat bread as a vehicle for enjoying the savory mixture.
Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Avocado
These bite-sized tomatoes are like a mini serving of guacamole, and are given an extra kick with curry powder and chili powder.
Click here to see the Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Avocado Recipe
Chi-Chi Bean Toasts
A chi-chi bean is Leslie Durso's grandmother's nickname for garbanzo beans, and it makes its appearance in this recipe mixed in a flavorful mayonnaise and served on soft bread.
Creamed Spinach-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Sometimes we can't resist a little creamed spinach, and this recipe uses mushrooms as a serving vessel — so you cut back on serving size and add another dose of vegetables to the mix.
Click here to see the Creamed Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Swiss Chard Puffs
Everyone knows Swiss chard is good for them, but sometimes it's a struggle to get the tough, dark green to taste good. This recipe does it right with a little puff pastry.
Malanga Fritters with Serrano Chiles and Garlic
This exotic recipe from thecookbook Roots uses malangas to create crispy, palm-sized fritters. If you're a bit more traditional, feel free to use potatoes instead.
Click here to see the Malanga Fritters with Serrano Chiles and Garlic Recipe
Roasted Almond Foccacia Bread with Grapes and Rosemary
For a light snack that still satiates the indulgent crowd, focaccia is an ideal dish to make. This focaccia blends the aromatic flavors of rosemary with the sweetness of grapes for a deliciously unexpected taste.
Click here to see the Roasted Almond Foccacia Bread with Grapes and Rosemary Recipe
Pan-Seared Scallops
While scallops are sometimes a pricey dinner to serve, they make great appetizers to pass around a party. Just stick a toothpick in them and they're edible. They're decadent but otherwise very healthy.
Spicy Stuffed Tomatoes
It takes a steady hand, a keen eye, and a sturdy yet small spoon to rise to the challenge of spicy stuffed tomatoes. A sharp garnishing tool doesn't hurt a bit, and may be an even more important ally than the keen eye. Want to make a tomato feast? This recipe doubles well, as long as you have the energy for lots of stuffing.