Healthy Recipes For Holiday Festivities!

Black Bean Dip

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinse
• 3/4 -1 cup salsa
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1. Blend all ingredients (except cilantro) in a high-speed blender until smooth. If needed, add additional water if the dip is too thick. Add cilantro and pulse until incorporated.
2. Serve with fresh-cut veggies or whole-grain tortilla chips.

Stuffed Dates

• 12-16 Medjool dates
• 4 ounces creamy goat cheese
• ¼ cup crushed pistachios
• 1 tablespoon regular honey or, hot honey

1. Remove pits from dates.
2. Fill each date with about ½ tablespoon of goat cheese.
3. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and drizzle with honey.

Grilled Veggie Platter with Greek Feta Dip

• 3 bell peppers, cut into large chunks
• 16 oz. white or portabella mushrooms, halved
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• juice of ½ lemon
• sea salt, to taste

1. On a well-oiled grill pan, grill veggies for 3-4 minutes on each side. Veggies should be slightly charred but still crunchy. Allow to cool.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, feta cheese, lemon, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
4. Arrange cooled veggies on a platter and serve with Greek Feta Dip.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

• 20-24 mini bell peppers
• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 3-ounces smoked ham, diced
• 3 scallions, finely chopped
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2-3/4 cup smoked gouda, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 375. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Cut the tops off of peppers. Slice them in half and remove any seeds.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded zucchini, ham, scallions, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt. Mix well to combine. Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of mixture into each pepper and place on the baking sheet.
4. Once all peppers are filled, lightly sprinkle with smoked gouda.
5. Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 minutes or, until cheese begins to bubble.

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HOLIDAY MOCKTAILS

Festive, healthy mocktails perfect for your holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat – cheers to the 2024 holiday season!

Cranberry Orange Spritzer

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberry juice (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish
• A sprig of rosemary (optional)

1. In a shaker, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and maple syrup. Shake well until the syrup dissolves.
2. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the juice mixture over the ice.
3. Top with sparkling water for a fizzy finish and stir gently.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a sprig of rosemary for that holiday touch. Serve chilled!

Gingerbread Spice Fizz

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

1. In a small saucepan, warm the almond milk over low heat and stir in molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Heat until well combined, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the spiced milk mixture over the ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive finish. Serve immediately!

Pomegranate Winter Wonder

• 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Pomegranate seeds and lime slices for garnish

1. In a small bowl, combine fresh pomegranate juice, lime juice, and honey (if using). Stir well.
2. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the pomegranate-lime mixture over the ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and a lime slice. Serve chilled!

Apple Cinnamon Cider Mocktail

• 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish

1. In a saucepan, heat the apple juice, cinnamon, and cloves over low heat until warm and fragrant. Stir occasionally. Once heated through, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the spiced apple juice mixture over the ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
5. Serve chilled!