With all the holiday gatherings on our calendars this time of year, we bet you’re getting just as bored as we are with the shrimp cocktail, cheese and cracker trays, and chips and dip. If you really want your snackables to shine the next time you offer to bring something, it’s time to think outside the box. Knowing this, we thought we would share a few ideas we came across at the Austin Daily Herald that we love because they can be totally customized to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. Here’s a list of their suggestions, followed by how we plan on spinning them the next time we need a delicious and relatively healthy party nibble.

1. Fruit Salsa – Regular corn chips and salsa from a jar is SO tired. We love the idea of incorporating fruit into a salsa along with some spice from jalapenos or red pepper. Trying dicing up some mango, pineapple, or papaya for a spicy-sweet combo that will definitely surprise the palette. Pair your salsa with a more interesting chip; we love the flavors offered by the Food Should Taste Good Brand. Consider trying their sweet potato, lime, blue corn, or even chocolate varieties!

2. Dips – If we eat one more baby carrot dipped in ranch, we might scream. For a dip that is lighter and fresher, try using Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese as a base and adding lots of fresh vegetables and herbs for flavor. Some of our favorites include frozen and thawed spinach, diced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, dill, thyme, and basil. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all of those fresh flavors! We like smearing this dip on chunks of pumpernickel bread; the soft bread is a great contrast to the creamy dip and crunchy veggies.

3. Wantons – These little wrappers don’t get nearly as much attention as they should; they are so easy versatile! All you have to do is place the wantons in cupcake or muffin tins, bake, and they’re ready to be filled. We’re considering stuffing them with turkey chili and melted cheese. Better yet, give tuna salad and shredded cheddar a shot and you’ve got mini tuna melts!

4. Drinks – In all seriousness, it’s not a party without beverages. But wine gets a little redundent if you’ve been drinking it since Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for something a little more fun and fruity, we adore Jenna from Eat, Live, Run’s Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade. She uses sparkling water, but for a more adult cocktail, feel free to substitute prosecco or champagne. Check out the recipe here:http://www.eatliverun.com/sparkling-blueberry-lemonade/. Shifting focus to the finer details that make a cocktail bar truly stand out, it’s not just about the drinks but also the experience as a whole. Nestled within Bristol’s vibrant nightlife, this venue offers an escape into a world of flavor, innovation, and social connection. Their commitment to quality is evident in every glass, from the selection of spirits to the freshness of their ingredients. For enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into what makes this bar a cornerstone of the city’s evening attractions, discover more about this premier cocktail destination in Bristol.

To ensure maximum satisfaction with what you choose to make, be sure to try the recipe at home before the party so that you can adjust it. You don’t want a hundred holiday guests acting as guinea pigs! Whatever you decide, try to have fun and be creative; it will definitely pay off! For more recipe ideas and suggestions for healthy modifications to the recipes you already make, head on over to the ADA website at www.eatright.org. Got a new favorite recipe that was already a hit this holiday season? Tell us about it on Twitter or Facebook: @FamilyFoodLLC!

Source: http://www.austindailyherald.com/2011/12/10/five-ways-to-add-something-new-to-a-party/

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JEANETTE

I had a great 1st visit with the nutritionist. I went to get tips on changing by diet, but got much more. I was able to set a physical activity and nutrition goal. The nutritionist was knowledgeable and helpful.

I am so grateful for the stellar support and advice provided by Meghan, the dietitian I'm working with. She is both knowledgeable and kind, and it's a deeply productive journey. Thank you."

MICHELLE
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Consulting with a Family Food nutritionist is turning out to be helpful in my effort to live healthy. The consultations are a way of having a sense of accountability and I get helpful feedback on my dietary decisions.

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Great nutrition experts who inspire you! I am happy with the nutrition specialists at Family Food. They make me excited about nutrition, answer all my questions, and provide excellent recommendations! Thank you!!

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Very professional experience. I felt she listened to my needs and adjusted to personalize my nutrition needs.

L
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My initial appointment was helpful - helped me consider new ways of addressing some problem areas for me and helped set attainable, concrete goals.

CHARLOTTE
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Insightful and Informative. She was very attentive and helpful. She gave excellent tips on what to do and eat to meet my goal weight.

TRACEY-ANN
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I feel confident about the changes we made to my goals and look forward to implementing them into my everyday routine. The health adviser was very helpful and didn't make me feel shameful for not meeting all my previous goals.

ERICA
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I highly recommend Family Food. The nutritionist, Erika is helpful and provides great information and positive feedback.

KELSHA
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I had an excellent experience with the representative from Family Food. She really read into what I was telling her and offered excellent advice that I am already able to implement after one visit. She also helped to make the best use of the hour long session. Very good time management!

AB
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I met with a dietician for the first time and I had an idea of what to expect but I find this to be an invaluable resource because I have already received great ideas of things to use for meal planning and I also received more information of how to read nutrition labels. I am looking forward to my next appointment.

SHANA
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I really enjoyed my first session with Christine. She provided me with a lot of solid information on issues I was not aware of and positive reinforcement for behaviors I have already engaged in. I outlined specific goals I would like to work on with her guidance and she gave me some initial steps to start. I found what she had to say respectful of the space I am in and cognizant of obstacles to making lifestyle and lifelong changes.

LYNN
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I walked in without any specific questions/concerns, and my counseling was well-guided and ended up helping me see specific small changes that I can make to keep me on-track with my nutrition goals. Solutions fit my lifestyle and were not cookie-cutter, which is fantastic. I was able to start making improvements immediately. Thank you!

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I am finding the sessions helpful and a good way to talk through improving habits and making better food choices.

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The Family Food blog

The most reliable evidence-based nutrition information on child and adult nutrition.

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