"Healthy Holiday Party" Cooking Demo at WestWind

If you're anything like me, you're probably STILL a little mad at yourself for overdoing it during Thanksgiving.  And without skipping a beat, right around the corner come all the Holiday Parties at work, Cocktail Parties with friends, meal upon meal with family....it's inevitable.  BUT, there is hope for your waistline!  Just because you have to go to or host a Cocktail Party doesn't mean you are doomed to drawstring or elastic pants come January.  You CAN battle the Calories, and still indulge in some delicious finger foods.  For instance:

Smoked Salmon Canapes with Cucumber and Dilled Cream Cheese

Beautiful. Delicious. Figure-friendly.  

Made with a tiny sliver of Smoked Salmon, a slice of English Cucumber, reduced fat Cream Cheese (about a teaspoon), and a handful of fresh Dill.

Caprese Salad Skewers

They even look like Christmas, don't they?? 

Made with halved Cherry/Grape Tomatoes, slivered fresh Basil, halved Ciligene (olive-sized Mozzarella Balls), and a drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar. Yummy!!

Assorted Crostini

Ultra-thin slices of Baguette, topped with any variety of ingredients, such as Tomato-Mozzarella-Basil, Caramelized Onion-Prosciutto, Olive Tapenade, Gorgonzola-Honey, Pesto-Sundried Tomato....the possibilities are endless.  And you can be sure that 2 or 3 of these are much better for you than hovering around the Spinach and Artichoke Dip all night.

Melon and Prosciutto Skewers

Jazz up some fresh fruit with a sliver of Prosciutto, a tiny sprinkling of shredded Parmesan, and a drizzle of Balsamic vinegar.  These will be the hit of the party, and nobody will even realize they are packing their bellies with Cantaloupe and Honeydew!

 I demonstrated all these Healthy-ish Finger Foods for last week's "Healthy Cooking Demonstration" at WestWind, and was overwhelmed with responses like, 

"I am SOOO going to be making all these for my party this year!" 

and 

"Oh my gosh, I can't believe how delicious these are!!"

So, all in all, don't give up hope on looking svelt in 2011, but also don't punish yourself and nibble on toothpicks at all the holiday parties.  Bring 1 or all of these delicious, heart-healthy treats and enjoy yourself!  For more in-depth recipes, leave a comment with your email address and which recipe(s) you are requesting.  Happy Holidays, everyone!!

Cheers,

The Chef Next Door