Simpler Living Blog

CHRISTMAS, RECIPES

Healthy Holiday Nibbles

By Melinda Hill As the holiday season approaches I often need to stop and remind myself that the focus of the holidays doesn't center around the preparations and the details but on the fellowship with family and friends as we celebrate the spirit of the season. As we gather to give thanks for our blessings, please keep in mind those who are less fortunate, those who are pending job loss, those who have lost loved ones, those who can't be with us and then, put the rest of life in perspective. For all the joys we cherish, there are sorrows that burden us, and if nothing else, we just need to be mindful of those around us who are struggling during this time and offer a helping hand. As you plan gatherings, remember to include foods for those who are trying to avoid putting on a few extra pounds through the holidays. Again, from our friends in Extension at the University of Kentucky, Janet Tietyen has the following tips for us to use.

Christmas Tree Appetizer: Here's a healthy treat - and your friends won't even realize they are eating vegetables.

Christmas Tree Appetizer

Lehman's

Ingredients

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1–2 heads of broccoli
A pint of cherry tomatoes
1 head of cauliflower
Your favorite dip (maybe reduced-fat Ranch or Honey Mustard).

Instructions

Wash and drain all the vegetables and cut the tops of the broccoli and cauliflower into flowerettes.
On a festive serving tray, arrange the broccoli in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Then decorate the tree with cherry tomato “ornaments” and put a layer of cauliflower “snow” under the tree. You can even top the tree with a slice of star fruit.