Guilt Free Party Recipe

Sweet and Smoky Pecans
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings

1 1/2 cups pecan halves

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

Pinch cayenne

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients; mix well.
2. Spread the nuts on the baking sheet; roast, tossing halfway through, until browned, 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Let the nuts cool. Serve.

Nutrition facts per serving:
220 calories, 3g protein, 8g carbohydrate, 22g fat (1.9g saturated), 3g fiber

Recipe and photo from: fitnessmagazine.com

Superbowl Food

The big game is coming up this weekend and most of you are probably hosting or attending some sort of Superbowl party, even if it is just with your family.  Superbowl food is delicious but can be a killer on your plans of healthy eating.  But lucky for you, you can still eat amazing fun food that won't set you way back.  Wings are a favorite for many people but so many times what they are coated in isn't the best.  Try out these different flavor and spice combinations.  Mix the seasonings and then toss them with your wings in a bowl, spread them out on a greased baking sheet and bake away.  Or plan ahead and throw them into your slow cooker. You will love them!  Just remember that a couple wings are fine to eat, just don't go crazy and eat the entire pan!

Carribean Chicken Wings
Teriyaki Sauce + Pineapple + Garlic

Korean BBQ Wings
Chili Flakes  + Garlic + Soy Sauce
Garnish with sesame seeds after they are done cooking, it will perfectly complement the soy sauce.

Sweet Sraracha Wings
Sriracha + Honey + Lime
A little bit of heat and a little bit of sweet.  Garnish them with sesame seeds, fresh lime juice and cilantro.  They would also be yummy dipped in a creamy reduced-fat ranch to cool things down a bit.

Cajun Dry Rub Wings
Cayenne + Paprika + Greek Yogurt

For a healthy dip mix low-fat plain Greek Yogurt with a dry ranch packet and some more creole seasoning.
 

Curried Indian Wings
Curry + Greek Yogurt + Mint
Garnish with curry powder and Sriracha.  Serve with a Greek yogurt dip, a side of carrots and garnish of mint.

 

Source Live Better America

Gluten Free Sugar 'n Spice Dip

Gluten Free Sugan 'n Spice Dip
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves 10

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar or honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Dash ground nutmeg

2 containers (6 oz each) Yoplait® Thick & Creamy vanilla yogurt

2 1/2 cups cubed honeydew melon (1/2 melon)

1 3/4 cups red raspberries (8 oz) 

 

In small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir in yogurt.

 

Spoon yogurt mixture into small serving bowl. Sprinkle with additional ground cinnamon. Serve with melon and raspberries.  

 

This dip is also great at this time of year with apple, orange and banana slices. 

Spiced Cranberry Chutney Crackers

The holidays are upon us and that means lots of parties and lots of food.  Next time you are hosting a party or asked to bring something to a party try out this appetizer.  Everyone loves finger foods and this tastes delicious and you will be surprised at how easy it is!

Spiced Cranberry Chutney Crackers
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 35

1 tsp olive or canola oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 T cider vinegar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Dash hot pepper sauce
3/4 cup fat free or light cream cheese spread
35 wafer crackers

Heat oil in small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot. Add onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until softened, stirring frequently.
Add cranberry sauce, vinegar, pumpkin pie spice, thyme, pepper and hot pepper sauce; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened and reduced slightly, stirring frequently. Cool 20 minutes. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, spread about 1 teaspoon cream cheese spread on each cracker. Top each with about 1 1/2 teaspoons cranberry mixture. If desired, garnish each with fresh thyme.

Another quicker option is to spread the cream cheese out on a pretty platter, spoon the chutney out over it and then arrange the crackers around the edge. 

Slim and Trim Holiday Recipe--From Jamie the Titanium Chef

This time of year it gets really tricky to keep those pounds off with all that yummy food around.  I love hot artichoke dip but with all the mayonnaise and cheese it is awful for you!  Here is a healthier version to let you enjoy the food you love without gaining all the weight. 
ARTICHOKE DIP
Ingredients:

1 15 oz can artichoke hearts rinsed and drained
3/4 c. cannellini beans rinsed and drained
1/4 c. chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
2 tblsp. grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. reduced fat sour cream
2 tbsp. part skim ricoota
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Method:
Heat oven to 350 degrees
combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse to a rough puree spread in a shallow 8 inch serving dish and bake until bubbling (about 30 minutes). Serve with warm pita chips or whole wheat crackers

Nurtition Facts/Serving:
68 calories
9 g. carbohydrate
2 g. fat