Appetizers and Snacks

These are delicious little bites that would be a perfect appetizer at your Christmas party! Ingredients: 12 large Brussels sprouts 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar ½ tsp dried thyme ½ tsp ground black pepper ½ tsp garlic powder 5 or 6 slices of bacon Method: Pre-heat the oven to 400F (204C). Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, then halve them lengthwise. In a bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, thyme, pepper and garlic powder. Add the halved sprouts to this mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Lay down a slice of bacon and put a Brussels sprout about an inch from [...]

Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups almond flour ¼ cup shelled raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds ½ tsp salt ½ tsp freshly grated lemon zest (optional) ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp water Method: • Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. • Place all the ingredients except the water in a food processor; pulse until crumbly. With the motor running, in a steady stream, add the water until the mixture starts to come together. • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Top with another piece of parchment [...]

Edamame are a mild-tasting green soybean, they are tender and slightly sweet. You can find them in the frozen food section of many grocery stores. Edamame is a great vegetable source of protein. EDAMAME GUACAMOLE Ingredients: 1 C frozen shelled edamame 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted 1 green onion, sliced 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp water 1 small clove garlic ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro Method: In a saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the edamame beans for 1-3 minutes until tender; drain and let cool to room temperature. In a food [...]

A great recipe for potlucks or your next backyard barbecue! Ingredients Cherry tomatoes Fresh mozzarella or bocconcini balls (roughly the same size as the cherry tomatoes) Extra virgin olive oil Fresh basil Balsamic vinegar (optional but delicious!) Salt and pepper Skewers Directions Put a bocconcini/mozzarella ball, a piece of basil, and then a tomato on each skewer. Place on a platter and repeat until finished with ingredients. If the bocconcini/mozzarella balls are too large you can cut them in half. Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Count each skewer [...]

A simple, yet fancy low-carb appetizer. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish to meat and fish dishes. Or try it for breakfast with creamy scrambled eggs or a plain omelet. Ingredients: 16 mushrooms 8 oz. bacon 1 – 2 tablespoons butter 7 oz. cream cheese 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped 1 teaspoon paprika powder Salt and pepper Instructions: • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). • Start by frying the bacon until really crispy. Remove and let cool and crush into crumbs. Save the bacon fat. • Remove the mushroom stems and chop them finely. Sauté [...]

Ingredients: 1 large Brie round ½ C diced red pepper 2 green onions, chopped 1 tsp olive oil ½ tsp curry powder ¼ C chopped pecans ¼ C dried cranberries 2 pears or apples, sliced Method: Heat the olive oil and sauté red pepper, green onion and curry powder for 2 minutes, until softened. Add the pecans and dried cranberries. Cook for another moment to toast the nuts. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Slice the top off the Brie round and discard. Mound the topping on the cheese and cook in a 160C (325F) oven until the [...]

These are grain free little snacks that can be made sweet or savoury depending on which flavours you decide to add. Once the muffins are cooked, you can eat them as they are or you can toast them. Ingredients: 1 large egg 2 tsp coconut flour Pinch baking soda Pinch salt Instructions: Grease a ramekin dish with coconut oil or butter. In a mug, mix all the ingredients together with a fork to ensure it is lump free. Place the muffin dough in the greased ramekin and cook in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Alternatively, it can be [...]

What could be more simple than these ‘chips' made from cheese? They would be great as a crunchy snack or perfect to serve with guacamole or salsa! Ingredients: 8 oz. cheddar cheese, provolone cheese or edam cheese, in slices ½ teaspoon paprika powder Method: • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cheese slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. • Sprinkle paprika powder on top and bake in the oven for about 8–10 minutes, depending on how thick the slices are. Pay attention towards the end so that you don't burn the cheese, as burned cheese [...]