Tag Archives: appetizers

Appetizers: 10 Easy and Elegant Ways To Top Crackers

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Make a a quick and healthy appetizer platter with these 10 Easy and Elegant Ways to Top Crackers.May and June are party season at our house, maybe even more so that the winter holiday months! With my son’s graduation party and a Father’s Day cookout book-ending a couple family birthday celebrations, book club, and a baby shower, I need lots of easy but elegant entertaining ideas! Plus, you know me – I always want to put a healthy spin on all my appetizer recipe creations.

Finn Crisp Crackers are baked with whole grains and fiber, making them a nutritious foundation for all sorts of toppings.

Nothing more beautiful and brimming with good taste and nutrition than topping FINN CRISP crackers with healthy toppings like low-fat cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies and nuts. I used these delicious thin crispbreads, which are baked with whole grains and fiber, as the foundation for ten different flavor combinations. Choose a sweet topper, a savor topper or a sweet-savory topper – there is a well-dressed cracker for everyone at your party.     

Top Row (left to right)

  • Aged White Cheddar Cheese, Sliced Dried Apricots, Balsamic Syrup
  • Peanut Butter mixed with Soy Sauce and Sriracha, Matchstick Carrots, Minced Red Onion, Shredded Chicken
  • Low-fat Cream Cheese, Halved Blackberries, Fresh Mint
  • Avocado Slice, Garlic Salt, Pickled Jalapenos, Sriracha Sauce
  • Low-Fat Herb Cheese Spread, Marinara Sauce, Roasted Garlic Cloves

Top Row (left to right)

  • Low Fat Cream Cheese, Red Onions Pickled in Beet Juice, Pistachios
  • Mozzarella, Pepperonis, Italian Herb Seasoning
  • Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chips, Granola, Sea Salt
  • Low-Fat Cream Cheese, Pesto Sauce, Sliced Grape Tomatoes
  • Lemon Curd, Blueberries, Mint

These Next Level Cracker Toppings are an easy yet elegant appetizer for a party, celebration or just snacking!The fruit-topped crackers where some of my favorite, but every appetizer was good and not a single one left!

Easy Appetizer -- Crackers with spread and fruit toppings.

Cream Cheese, Blackberries and Mint on Whole Grain Crispbread Blueberry Lemon Curd Crostini

10 Easy, Elegant and Healthy Ways to Top Crackers #party ideas #sp

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FINN CRISP provided me products to create these recipes, however all content and opinions are my own.

What are your great ideas for creative cracker toppings?

Cinco de Mayo Means Guacamole and Limey Drinks #ZestyInADash

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This post is sponsored by ConAgra RO*TEL.

otel Rockin Guac and Lime-A-Ritas are a festive addition to Cinco de Mayo.

We know how to put on a fiesta every weekend here in Texas. But, Cinco de Mayo is an extra special reason to celebrate because five out of seven years the party falls on a work day – and that’s a legitimate reason to tell the boss “adios” and cut loose early to enjoy some patio time. This year, Cinco de Mayo is on a Tuesday which so conveniently aligns with Taco Tuesday, Tostado Tuesday and Guacamole & Tortilla Chips Tuesday. I am a food blogger and thus allowed to make up these extra observances dedicated to food and drink.

Kick back and relax with a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita and Plate of Rockin' Guac -- get the recipe at RO*TELThere can be no fiesta without guacamole. In these parts, guacamole is not just a healthy dip and satiating snack — it’s an appetizer that draws people together, have you ever seen the mob scene near the guacamole bowl?! Smashed up avocado is also a condiment smeared on everything from eggs and enchiladas to burgers and burritos, and salads and sandwiches – and, of course, devoured right off a dipped chip.  You can even serve it up with a super healthy spin by serving it in tomato cups along with mild green chilies! Ole!

RO*TEL's Rockin' Guac is perfect for dipping and stuffing!

RO*TEL's Rockin' Guac -- this avocado guacamole is easy to make and delicious!

There are only four ingredients (plus salt and pepper) in RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac – more time to enjoy the fiesta!

 

 

One of the best recipes I’ve found is RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac – it’s so simple to make and gets a zesty (but not too spicy) kick from the tomatoes and green chilies.

 

 

 

I’m keeping things simple this Cinco de Mayo and making Black Bean, Zucchini and Corn Tacos – they are just screaming for  RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac! It’s a vegetarian recipe, but even those carnivorous folks in the crowd love it (I think it’s the guac that makes it so satisfying). The beauty of this recipe is that I can sauté the veggies up in a skillet, keep it warm, and then sit back and enjoy the party – no sweating over the grill!

veggie black bean tacos

 

Start your Cinco de Mayo off right with a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita!

 

So, what will we all drink?  Creamy watermelon smoothies for the kids and the adults will enjoy Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas, a margarita-like drink that isn’t quite as strong. Tequila has never agreed with me, so these perfectly-portioned cans of yum (made with malt alcohol) don’t give me a hideous hangover the next day. That is a GOOD thing to ensure I can fiesta on the Seis de Mayo, too!

 

 

Almost Cinco de Mayo! Fast avocado fix @RO_TEL Rockin’ Guac #ZestyInADash #Ad

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rotel rockin guac

 Zest up your fiesta with RO*TEL’s Rockin Guac and Bud Light’s Lime-A-Rita. How are you planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Bud Light Lime-A-Rita® is a registered trademark of Anheuser-Busch. ConAgra Foods, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Zest Up Your Fiesta – Guacamole & Drinks for Spring Parties

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This post is sponsored by ConAgra RO*TEL.

Spring is the perfect time for a Rotel Rockin' Guac and Bud Light Lime-A-Rita fiesta!

It’s spring and my family has a lot of things to celebrate in the next couple months. Two of the landmark events we’ll be hosting shindigs for are my Dad’s 70th birthday and my oldest son graduating from high school!  And, of course, there’s Cinco de Mayo sandwiched right between and we like to do that up big in Texas.

Brisket tacos are perfectly paired with RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac and a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita!

I need RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac and a Bud Light Lime-A-Rita to go with this taco!

I’m pretty low-key when it comes to entertaining, it’s a safe bet that I’ll be serving up burgers, brisket or tacos in my backyard.  I have three super-hungry, carnivorous teen boys, for goodness sake! These casual meals always please crowds, are easy to scale up for a super-sized party, and can be mostly pre-prepped so I’m not stuck in the kitchen cooking while all the guests are having a good time. Nothing pairs better with any of these dishes than a creamy bowl of avocado goodness  — hurray for guacamole!

RO*TEL's Rockin' Guac -- this avocado guacamole is easy to make and delicious!

I found this delicious recipe for RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac that will turn up the volume on your taste buds! The blend of tomatoes and green chilies in RO*TEL add a zesty (but not too spicy) twang to the dip that is to die for. It’s so simple to make you can delegate the job to your kids — you may want to chop the onion first, but they’ll love smashing the avocado. Serve this guacamole as a condiment or topping for the entrée or, better yet, as an appetizer – set out a big basket of tortilla chips and a bowl of RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac for a pleasing prelude to dinner.

Get the party started with RO*TEL's Rockin Guac and Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas!

Try mini bowls of RO*TEL’s Rockin’ Guac so guests can walk around and mingle – this way people won’t have to elbow their way in for a chip dunk or (eek) double dip into the community bowl!  For easy clean up, you can even use those little plastic condiment cups.  In addition to tortilla chips, I like to set out crunchy, fresh vegetables to dip into guacamole.  I can’t help it, I’m a vegetable nerd.

Serve RO*TEL's Rockin' Guac in individual cups with fresh vegetables for a healthy option.

Bud Light's Lime-A-Rita is so refreshing and convenient in a can!Now, you can’t have guacamole without some sort of cool refreshing drink.  I’ll serve up my watermelon ginger limeade or virgin mojito mint tea for the kids and the over 21-year-old grown-ups get Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas all the way around! I love these refreshing adult beverages, they totally remind me of a margarita yet aren’t quite as potent, which is a good thing for lightweight little me. Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas come conveniently in a can, meaning no breakable barware outside when things start to get wild– just throw these citrusy sippers into a tub full of ice as they await their ultimate fate.  I’m ready to pop the top on one right now and get the party started!

Fiesta Time! Fast avocado fix with @RO_TEL Rockin’ Guac #ZestyInADash #Ad

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rotel rockin guac

Zest up your fiesta with RO*TEL’s Rockin Guac and Bud Light’s Lime-A-Rita.

Bud Light Lime-A-Rita® is a registered trademark of Anheuser-Busch.

ConAgra Foods, Inc. All Rights Reserved

 

Wasabi Almond Shrimp Salad Bites + Football #GameChangingSnacks

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This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. For more Game Changing Snacks, visit Blue Diamond Almonds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

An interception, a fumble, an unexpected player injury, crazy weather . . . . a (gasp) deflated ball. These are all “game changers” in football. In the blink of an eye, the tables can turn – that’s part of the excitement of being a sports spectator. If you’re having people over to your house this weekend to watch the Big Game, add to the excitement by kicking up your gridiron grub with #GameChangingSnacks !

Blue Diamond Almonds for Football Party - TheFitFork.com

The same-old football finger foods can get boring – enough with the potato chips, hot dogs and pizza. Whip up some easy (and healthier) snacks) that your friends and family will devour with the lip-smacking satisfaction of a hungry linebacker. You can’t go wrong with a can of almonds on your starting snack lineup, especially one of Blue Diamond’s yummy flavors like Wasabi & Soy or Smokehouse.

Wasabi and Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites - TheFitFork.com

You can even become the MVP of football party food by adding plain or flavored almonds to a unique and healthy recipe – one that will have your guests eating like the true champions that they are. I put together this quick and healthy appetizer recipe for Wasabi & Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites – between the veggies and almonds, it’s got a lot of crunch factor not to mention a blast of wasabi “whoohoo” – talk about #GameChangingSnacks ! Low-cal and low-carb, you won’t bust your training diet scarfing down the whole plate.

Wasabi & Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds - TheFitfork.com

 

 

Jennifer Fisher 3m Half Marathon Blue DiamondThis past weekend, I had my own “game day” of sorts running the 3M Half Marathon in Austin, Texas. The weather was perfect, the point-to-point course is fast and I was pretty well rested. Alas, there was no PR, I was a good 4 minutes of my best time on this fast course. But, I also didn’t also do too shabby (1:28:12) considering I haven’t be training anywhere near my max and I’m another year older. Perhaps it was those #GameChangingSnacks at the start – a banana and handful of Blue Diamond Almonds!

Healthy Snack Stadium - TheFitFork.com

 

 

Also, if you’re looking for other healthy snack ideas for your football party, check my instructions on how to build a Healthy Snack Stadium filled with fruits, veggies, healthy dips and a whole-grain sandwich station. Pop open a few cans of Blue Diamond Almonds in the end zones and you’ll score you a gazillion high-fives!

Wasabi and Soy Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds - TheFitFork.com

Wasabi Shrimp Salad Bites w/ Almonds @BlueDiamond #GameChanginSnacks #ad

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 What snacks are you making for the Big Game?

Wasabi and Soy Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds - TheFitFork.com
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Wasabi & Soy Sauce Shrimp Salad Bites with Almonds
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Packed with big flavor from wasabi, these cucumber slices are topped with shrimp salad and a crunchy almond. Healthy finger food for your party!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 12 2 appetizers per person
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 teaspoon wasabi powder
  • 1 cup frozen pre-cooked small salad shrimp, thawed and drained
  • 2 radishes, chopped finely
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped finely
  • 1/4 cup water chestnuts, chopped finely
  • 2 green onions, bulbs and stems slices finely
  • 1 large cucumber, cut crosswise into ¼” thick slices (24 slices)
  • 24 Wasabi & Soy Sauce” Blue Diamond Almonds (from 6-oz. can)
Instructions
  1. In medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, yogurt and wasabi powder until combined.
  2. Add thawed shrimp, radishes, bell pepper, water chestnuts an d green onions to bowl, toss gently until coated with Greek yogurt mixture.
  3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of shrimp mixture in center of cucumber round; top with almond. Repeat to finish remaining appetizers.
Recipe Notes

Healthy Snack Stadium + Football Finger Foods for the Win

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How To Build a Healthy Fotball Snack Stadium - TheFitFork.com

Pop Warner Football - TheFitFork.comThe BIG GAME will be here in a little over a week and my guys have been uncharacteristically fussing about the football-watching party preparations. I have some football players, past and present in my house! What television should we watch  – in the game room or downstairs closer to the kitchen?  Should we play games like ‘squares’ or have a bean bag toss? And, most importantly, what will everyone eat?!

It’s not JUST going to be (root) beer, Buffalo wings and burgers.  It’s impossible to be a healthy food and fitness blogger and not bring a little sumptin’ sensible to the shindig.  But I’m not talking about a sad little tray of carrot and celery sticks, instead imagine a nutritious array of nibbles that is as exciting and epic as the BIG GAME itself – a HEALTHY SNACK STADIUM! 

I created this masterpiece of munch-worthy goodness for Litehouse Foods – they challenged me to put a healthy spin on the increasingly popular and pin-worthy food displays made for football-watching gatherings. The stands are packed with fruit and veggies and the field is covered in healthy salsas and dips made from Greek yogurt.  Guests even get an all-access pass to refuel at a sandwich-making station and dig into sidelines loaded up with whole-grain chips and football-decorated eggs!

Healthy Snack Stadium for Football Party - TheFitFork.comGo over and visit Living Litehouse for additional photos and details on how to make this Healthy Snack Stadium (including how to assemble the framework and making pretzel rod goal posts) that will have your guests eating like champions.

While the Patriots and Seahawks rumble on the Super Bowl gridiron, I’ll be serving up even more healthy appetizers alongside my Snackadium. Here are a few ideas for healthy snacks that will make you an MVP on game day, any day and every day!

avocado guacamoleCilantro Lime Guacamole – Simple, smooth and just so darn good that I have been known to eat the whole bowl at one sitting! A perfect dip for chips or healthier options like carrot, jicama, or zucchini sticks and to use as a spread on your sandwich.  If you have leftover guacamole (yeah, right!) or just want to make extra in advance, check out my blog post on How to Freeze Guacamole.

 

Nut and Cereal party mix made in crock pot

Nutty Slow Cooker Snack Mix – Snack mix is a perennial party favorite, my recipe uses a slow cooker (really!) to make the process stress-free and super tasty. I like to add lots of nuts to my snack mix for healthy fats and extra protein.  A sure bet!

 

 

 

 

Football Deviled Eggs - TheFitFork.com

Football Deviled Eggs – Are these the cutest eggs ever? And, the good news is you will not go to hell for incorporating them into a healthy diet – eggs are a great source of protein and essential vitamins.  I’ve used Greek yogurt instead of the traditional mayo for a slimming swap-a-roo!

Healthy Gridiron Grub #recipes + Super Snack Stadium for the win! @litehousefoods #football

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Football Deviled Eggs - TheFitFork.com
Print
Football Deviled Eggs
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Put your healthy stack stadium over the top with these fun and tasty football deviled eggs -- a fun finger food for the Big Game! Touchdown!
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 12 people (2 each)
Ingredients
  • 12 large eggs boiled
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Sriracha sauce or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • bunch chives
Instructions
  1. Peel eggs lengthwise and scoop out yolks; set whites aside.
  2. In small bowl, mix together yolks, yogurt, mustard, sriracha sauce, salt and pepper.
  3. Spoon mixture into empty cavity of eggs.
  4. Snip and cut chives with knife into approximate ½ pieces; each egg half will need four pieces (96 pieces). Place 3 chive slices crosswise along egg filling and cross with one piece lengthwise.