How to Have a Low Cal Christmas - Part 2

Can't find anything to eat other than those cute little mini-quiche, sausage rolls, cheese and cheese balls? Why not bring a plate of raw (or lightly steamed - enough so they are still crunchy but a bit easier on the digestive system!) vegetables - I like carrots, celery, cuccumber, snow peas (used a lot in Asian cooking), mung bean sprouts, peppers and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauli, etc). Want a real festive touch? Try cauliflower, broccoli, snow peas, and red and green peppers! Then add the Creamy Dip or some delicious Festive Hummus....sure to be a party favourite!

Vegetables with Creamy Dip
This simple recipe makes a fast, healthy snack that's a good source of protein and calcium.  The yummy dip makes you feel full and eliminates that hollow-bellied feeling after eating all those veggies! 

Here's what you need...
• Assorted vegetables (as above)
• 1 cup non-fat cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon non-fat yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoon Knorr-Swiss Leek Soup Mix (or other flavour, depending on your taste)

1. Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.  Best left in refrigerator for a couple hours for flavours to blend.
2. Arrange the vegetables on a plate or platter or make veggie kebabs...they make a great display and can be colour co-ordinated depending on the occasion!

Nutritional Analysis per whole recipe: 163 calories, 0g fat, 8g carbohydrate, 1g fibre, 31g protein.

Festive Hummus
While the red and green speckles give this homemade hummus a jolly look, it's the taste that makes it unforgettable. This dip makes the perfect party take-along. Serve it up with whole grain pita bread or fresh cut veggie sticks. Yield: 12 servings  
 Here's what you need...

• 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans (or prepared at home in advance)
• 1 Tablespoon tahini or peanut butter, if you prefer or can't find tahini
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 2 garlic cloves, mashed
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup basil leaves or cilantro leaves (my personal favourite!)
  Throw all the ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth.
  

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 55 calories, 2g fat, 6g carbohydrate, 2g fibre, 2g protein



Who says eating healthy has to be boring!!