Sweet, Spicy and Healthy for the Holidays
With a little creative thinking and planning, we can easily serve healthier versions of our favorite holiday recipes. Substituting or tweaking the ingredients in our favorite recipes by cutting back on or changing certain ingredients will lead to a healthier holiday season.
Simple swaps of lower-fat versus full fat ingredients is an easy way to save calories. For example in the recipe below you can switch out the regular cream cheese and use Neufchatel or fat-free cream cheese. The use of fruits and nuts are also great ways to boost the nutritional content of recipes while keeping you satisfied. In the recipe below for a tasty appetizer, a combination of dried fruits and nuts combine to look appealing and create a great tasting recipe to help you survive holiday gatherings in a healthy fashion.
Whether you’re entertaining for guests or simply feeding the family, this elegant yet simple healthy holiday appetizer will be a hit. Sweet and Spicy Holiday Spread boasts flavors that feel indulgent but is made with healthier ingredients.
Sweet and Spicy Holiday Spread
Ingredients:
2 cups dried fruits (chopped apricots, golden raisins, cranberries – use your favorites!)
½ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup light corn syrup
1 cup sliced toasted almonds
2-8 ounce bricks Fat-free or Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
Crackers of your choice for dippers
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine dried fruits, red pepper flakes, light corn syrup and toasted almonds over low heat and stir just until heated throughout.
- Spread softened cream cheese over serving platter then top with prepared fruit mixture.
- Serve with any variety of crackers or vegetables.