We’re coming into the time of year when celebrations and gatherings with loved ones are around every corner. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years… there’s sure to be lots of sitting at tables full of food in the future!
Nowadays, with so many people being on special diets, it’s a good idea to have a diversity of options available on the table.
Here are four super simple appetizers that adhere to many of today’s popular diets, from low-carb and paleo to vegan and vegetarian. This season let’s support and celebrate cultivating health around our Kentucky feasting tables!
Sweet Potato Avocado Boats
You’ll need:
2 sweet potatoes
2 avocados
1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt & pepper
scallions, chopped finely for garnish
cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Peel sweet potatoes and slice into 1/3-inch thick rounds.
In a bowl, toss sweet potato rounds in extra-virgin olive oil until evenly coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, set each sweet potato round on the baking sheet in single layer.
Sprinkle rounds with sea salt and pepper.
Bake for about 20 minutes.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve! A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice layer of flavor, too!
the best hummus ever
You’ll need:
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 heaping tablespoons tahini
1 raw garlic clove
1/4 c lemon juice
8 green olives (pitted)
1/4 t sea salt
paprika & fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Put everything except for paprika and parsley in a blender and blend until smooth.
Yep – it’s that easy!
Serve garnished with paprika and fresh chopped parsley, with pita bread and/or sliced veggie sticks (carrots, jicama, bell peppers, cucumbers, etc.). Best hummus ever, I promise.
nordic cucumber + salmon bites
You’ll need:
1 large cucumber
8 oz. standard bar of cream cheese, softened
1 lb. smoked salmon, sliced thin into bite-sized pieces
1 t dried dill
1/4 t sea salt
fresh dill for garnish
Instructions:
Slice cucumber into 1/4-inch thick rounds and spread into a single layer on a tray.
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dried dill, and sea salt and stir to mix well.
Spoon cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber round, spreading evenly.
Top with a slice of smoked salmon, and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill.
Enjoy!
holiday chocolate bark
You’ll need:
10 oz. dark chocolate, melted
1/2 c fine coconut flakes
1 c pomegranate seeds
pinch sea salt
Instructions:
Combine melted chocolate, coconut flakes and sea salt and mix well.
Spread mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread about 1/4-inch thick.
Sprinkle evenly with pomegranate seeds.
Place in freezer for about 1-2 hours until hard.
Break into pieces and serve or keep in refrigerator.
Enjoy these healthy and festive treats and have the happiest of holidays with your loved ones this season!
