Healthy, Easy & Delectable Holiday Appetizers

These recipes are from my good friend Ann Wolter, a.k.a. "The Healthy Lush." I asked for them after attending her Healthy Holidays Party (and trying them all!)

Ann knows good food, good wine, and good entertaining. These healthy holiday appetizers are the perfect compliment to any holiday gathering. Each of these appetizers are vegetarian, gluten-free, low-glycemic, and very easy to make. They're also full of nutrients and will allow you to enjoy yourself guilt-free. You can offer to bring one to a party that you are attending so you know you'll have a health option to indulge in. Or, serve them up any night of the week!

Healthy, Easy & Delectable Holiday Appetizers
Prep Time: Varies
Serves: Varies

Tuscan Stuffed Mushrooms
Serves 4-6, easily doubled

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced jarred roasted red bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced pitted green olives
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese
• 2 scallions (a.k.a. green onions), diced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound white button mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Recipe:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  In a medium bowl mix together the roasted red bell peppers, olives, cheese, scallions, olive oil, salt, and pepper.  On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet place the mushrooms, cavity side up.  Spoon the filling into the cavity of the mushrooms.  Bake until the mushrooms are tender, about 20 minutes.  Transfer the mushrooms to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped basil, and serve.

Elegant Fig Appetizers with Goat Cheese and Almonds
Makes 24 hors d’oeuvres

The flavors of fresh figs (or dates, or dried figs), tangy goat cheese, salty almonds, sweet honey, and balsamic vinegar contrast to make these a delicious and very pretty appetizer.  Arrange figs in a circle, tops facing in, for a flower effect. We like making them with fresh figs or dates, both are equally delicious.

Ingredients:

• 12 fresh figs, halved (you can also use dried figs or dates)
• 4 ounces goat cheese (chevre)
• 24 roasted, salted almonds
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Recipe:
Preheat the oven broiler for high heat.  Place the fig halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet.  Top each half with about 1/2 teaspoon goat cheese.  Place one almond on each, press to push the cheese slightly into each fig. 

Broil the figs in the preheated oven until the cheese is soft and the almonds are turning a rich shade of brown, 2 to 3 minutes (watch them very carefully b/c the will burn easily - they should not be charred, just whammed.)  Remove from the broiler and let cool for 5 minutes.  Arrange the figs/dates on a serving platter and drizzle with honey and balsamic vinegar.  Serve warm or room temp.

Sweet Potato Feta Rounds
Makes 10 (3-piece) servings, easily doubled

The sturdy texture of sweet potatoes makes them perfect for roasting and using as colorful orange “plates” for tasty fillings like this one, made with feta, garlic, and chives. Be sure to get sweet potatoes, not yams (yep, they're different.)

Ingredients:

• 3 long, thin sweet potatoes, peeled (about 1-1/2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• Freshly ground black pepper

Recipe:
Heat oven to 450 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.  Cut potatoes into 30 (1/2-inch thick) rounds.  Combine potato pieces, 1 tablespoon of the oil, and garlic in a large bowl; toss to coat.  Spread potatoes out on the baking sheet, and roast until potatoes are just tender and edges are starting to brown, 18-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, mash feta, chives, and remaining 1 teaspoon oil together in a small bowl.  Season with pepper to taste.  Remove potatoes from oven and top with a heaping 1/2 teaspoon cheese mixture.  Return to oven and bake until heated through, about 5 minutes.  Serve warm.

Notes: Cheese mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate in a covered container until ready to use.  Sweet potatoes can be roasted (without cheese mixture) up to 8 hours before the party; cover and leave at room temperature.  Top with cheese mixture and warm through just before serving.

Cheers!