Party Snacks Foods

Eating healthy is a challenge, Coming up with easy appetizer ideas can be equally difficult. Why not save some time and stress by taking your healthy snacks and turning them into appetizers for your next dinner party or large gathering?

Healthy snacks tend to be simple, raw, and meant to refuel. What you want to serve for an appetizer should have a little more flavor and personality. Often, though, appetizer recipes can be heavy, rich, or too complicated. So let's channel our inner health guru and whip up some easy, but savory, healthy bites.

Dips:

Dips come in many varieties. To make it even healthier, why not use lots of veggies in place of heavy cheeses and cream. Try layering shredded carrots and zucchini, tomatoes and cucumbers with hummus. Add shredded chicken, olives and seasoning and scoop it up with a healthy baked snack cracker.

Have you ever nibbled on edamame? It's a healthy snack that can be turned into a creamy dip.

8 ounces frozen shelled edamame
1/4 cup water
2 Tbs low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbs minced fresh ginger
1 Tbs rice vinegar
1 Tbs tahini
1 clove garlic
1/8 tsp salt
Hot pepper sauce to taste
Cook edamame according to package directions.

Puree the edamame, water, soy sauce, ginger, vinegar, tahini, garlic, salt, and hot sauce in a food processor until smooth.

Chill for 1 hour before serving

You may want to serve something that looks like it took more effort, but don't throw out processed, calorie laden goodies. There are some healthy, easy appetizer ideas that won't make you crazy. We found this Hoisin-Tofu Lettuce Wrap appetizer recipe you'll love.

1/2 cup water chestnuts
12 ounces firm tofu (fresh bean curd, not silken style)
3 Tbs rice vinegar
2 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs sugar
1/4 tsp Asian chili sauce
Dash of toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup shredded carrot
2Tbs Hoisin sauce
1 cup fresh cilantro
16 leaf lettuce leaves
Cut tofu into 1/4 inch cubes

In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, Asian chili sauce, and sesame oil: stir to dissolve sugar

Heat same skillet over medium-high heat and add tofu, carrot, water chestnut and vinegar mixture to the skillet.

Cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until vinegar sauce mixture is absorbed.
Stir in the 2 Tbs hoisin sauce; mix well.
Add 1 cup cilantro, heat and stir for 1 minute.
Serve mixture in lettuce leaves.

Use your imagination, add some twists, and turn healthy snacks into appetizer ideas that won't have you feeling guilty!

Throwing a party can be a lot of work. But planning for an event can be simpler if you select a theme for your party snack food Often a party table will be set with dips, bite-sized nibbles, cheese snacks, and veggie trays. While this is fine, having some rhyme or reason to the food makes choosing your party snack recipes easier; it also creates a bit of fun.

Choosing a Theme for the Party

Pulling together a larger theme - one for the party itself, not just the food - takes a bit more effort, but some favorites that aren't too much of a challenge are "around the world" or even a specific country. Think of the fun you'll have decorating for a location party, how much fun your guests will have feeling like they're on a mini vacation, and what a treat it will be to select party snack recipes while learning about a particular country!

Color party themes are another go-to idea. Black and white parties are common, but it's difficult to find foods that match that concept. Throwing a Blue party wouldn't be a great idea either, can you think of many blue party snack foods? An orange party, however, would allow for serving any appetizers that have carrots, or cheese, or yes, oranges. Some easy party snack recipes that come to mind are cheese balls, carrots with a delicious cream cheese dip or an orange spice cake for desert!

Choosing a Theme for the Food

The theme could be food related, such as using some of the same ingredients throughout the spread. It could also be color related, especially to celebrate a holiday or certain season. It's easy to come up with red and green foods for Christmas or red, white, and blue foods for the Fourth of July. If you are not feeling very creative for the day, just turn to the internet where you can find great holiday related party snacks recipes. The small amount of effort there makes a big impact on the eyes.

If it is a struggle to find a theme you are comfortable with, look at what decorations may be stored around the house. An old flower arrangement could be transformed into a center piece for a spring dinner event or an old Birthday wrapping paper could be easily transformed into a personalized table cloth. Many appetizer recipes can be made with a few ingredients that are also stored in the pantry.

So whether you're throwing a "Hot and Spicy" party, or a meat lover's extravaganza, having a theme for the food, and even the dcor makes it easy and fun for all of the guests. They will leave the party feeling inspired and full with all of the wonderful party snack food you prepared!

Source: http://www.prlog.org/12144020-planning-party-snack-food-with-theme.html

Planning your next dinner party and trying to decide on the perfect party snack food? We suggest that you try this easy recipe for Crunchy, cheesy potatoes. It is the perfect recipe for a family event or even an outdoor party! It can be served as a delicious cheese snack or accompany a main meal.

 Ingredients


1 bag red new potatoes

6 strips of bacon

1 cup heavy cream

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups grated white cheddar

Crushed garlic to taste

Chives

JWM Cheddar and Asiago CheeseCrisps

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 9X12 inch baking pan
2. Preheat oven to 400
3. Spread crushed garlic on bottom of pan
4. Peel potatoes, cut into thick chips and boil until tender
5. Cook bacon and save some of the fat
6. Mix bacon fat with cream, nutmeg, chives, and thyme
7. Crush CheeseCrisps
8. Layer potatoes in baking dish and sprinkle grated cheddar on top
9. Crumble bacon and CheeseCrisps on top
10. Pour cream mixture over
11. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 min more

This delicious party snack food will have guest wanting more. To make the dish a bit healthier, replace the bacon with turkey bacon. This dish is also delicious with our Smoked Jalapeno Cheese Crips, which will give it just the spice it needs.

Source: http://www.cheesesticks.com/Cheesy-Potatoes.aspx

Party Snack Foods Meet the Quick and Easy Fudge Recipe


When planning your next dinner party, don't forget to plan plenty of deserts! Many deserts take a considerable amount of time for preparation and decorating. That's why when I plan a dinner party; I stick to easy party food options, such as Fudge. This traditional gourmet snack/desert takes on a whole new taste and texture when combined with John Wm. Macy's SweetSticks. This desert takes about 15 minutes to make and can even be placed in the freezer to speed up the cooling process!

Ingredients:

1 can sweetened condensed milk

4 tbs. unsalted butter

3 cups of chocolate chips

1 cup Madagascar Vanilla SweetSticks

Directions:

In a small pot, melt the chocolate chips, butter and condensed milk on low heat. Continue to stir the mixture to avoid burning the chocolate.

In a gallon sized bag, crush 1 cup of SweetSticks

After the mixture has completely melted, place in a greased 9 X 13 pan. Arrange the crushed SweetSticks on Top and place in the refrigerator to cool.

This wonderful, gourmet snack is perfect for any party! The best thing about Fudge is that you can change the flavor in a variety of ways. You can add peanut butter, mint or melted white chocolate to completely change the texture and flavor! Make sure to make plenty though, because this delicious party snack food will be a favorite!


Source: http://www.cheesesticks.com/Quick-and-Easy-Fudge-Recipe.aspx

One of the strongest trends in food and eating this year is party finger foods. The bite-sized delights are fun and easy to prepare, and are a simple way for guests to enjoy a nibble. Forget the messy dips and sauces and no need to hassle with plates and forks.

There are those who track food trends and eating styles. IFT says 5 of the best-selling new foods this year were bite-sized or hand-held. So whether you determine your menu based on keeping up with trends, or you simply want easy party food, anything you can pop into your mouth in a bite or two should be on your list.

Let's be straight, we aren't suggesting a table full of cheese and crackers. There are a variety of quick appetizers that fit the bill. From baked goodies to rolled tidbits, think about the spectrum of hot and cold, colors that invite, and a range of ingredients including vegetables, meats and seafood, and pastries.
 
There are also larger dishes that can be shrunken to bite-sized without losing too much in translation.
First a few suggestions. Invest in mini muffin tins. You can create party finger foods that are the perfect size and easy to bake.

Try making mini bite-sized tacos using wonton wrappers, chopped shrimp, ground beef, or even veggie ground round, bake in the mini tins, then top with a small dollop of sour cream, salsa, or even guacamole.
Fill the tins with separated biscuit dough to create a cup, then fill with chopped veggies and cheese, or add sprinkles of bacon or pieces of diced chicken.

If you do plan to go the cracker route, think of something interesting for a topper. If you use cheese, spread some hot or sweet jelly on top or a dried apricot or date. Use smoked salmon, a bit of cream cheese and a caper. Little mini meals make great, quick appetizers.John Wm. Macy's CheeseSticks are one of the best snack food companies.

Presentation is always a key to success. Select beautiful platters that look great as the party finger food are snapped up. Garnish the plates with flowers, herbs, or other fun items. You can easily spread the dishes around the room for people to nibble wherever they are. Be sure to keep napkins nearby, but that's all you'll need!

Finger foods and bite-sized nibbles are a fun easy party food. Easy to eat, fun to make, and right on trend.

Source:- http://goarticles.com/article/Party-Finger-Foods-Easier-on-You-and-Your-Guests/7764148/

CheeseSticks, which are available through a network of wholesale snack distributors throughout the United States and Canada, are a gourmet snack that has “the perfect crunch.”They are a classic combination of aged cheeses and twice baked sour dough bread. They also use all natural ingredients which creates an elegant and healthy gourmet snack or the perfect appetizer to any dinner party.

Through the use of online marketing CheeseSticks appeals to their consumers by providing a network of up-to-date blogs on entertaining lifestyles, an easy to use mobile site, sweepstake opportunities and the convenience of purchasing their products online. Snack food companies that invest in CheeseSticks are not only selling a healthy, gourmet product but also ensuring consumersthey are purchasing a product that is well made and delicious.

Recently, Cheesesticks made their 22 oz. bag of Cheese Crisps, which were only available at CostCo, available to purchase online. By listening to their consumers’ needs they are able to expand their market and by doing so reach more clients. Their new larger sized products combined with their local and international market make this wholesale snack one of a kind.

CheeseSticks are the perfect product for wholesale snack distributors because of their “savory” taste, dramatic presence on the internet and their ability to connect on a deeper level with their clients. For further information on how your company can benefit from this gourmet wholesale snack and many healthy snack ideas.

Source:- http://www.prlog.org/12002558-john-wm-macys-cheesesticks-are-taking-over-wholesale-snacks-as-we-know-it.html