Resolutions Done Right: A Healthy New Year’s Menu
January 31, 2012
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Scottsdale
• 0 Comments
Resolutions Done Right: A Healthy New Year’s Menu
Most people like to a go a bit overboard on the food and beverages at New Year’s parties. And why not? It’s the end of the year, and tomorrow they will all start making better food choices and finally lose that extra 25 pounds. Stop me if you’ve heard that one before.
Don’t be too cynical, though, because you can help your guests start their healthy eating resolutions one day sooner by serving healthier choices at your annual New Year’s Eve party. But once you’ve placed the raw vegetable tray on the buffet table, what else can you do to encourage healthy eating? After all, you don’t want to enroll in a cooking school in Arizona just to make a few healthy dining choices for your party.
Healthy New Year’s Menu Options
Finger foods are always best for a New Year’s Eve party. Guests want to move around, talk, and have fun. We’ve put together some menu ideas that can help you plan a great party and still keep your resolution of serving healthier food. A student from the local school for culinary studies couldn’t put together a better menu.
-
Low-Cal Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Don’t worry. The low-cal doesn’t mean no taste. These great hors d'oeuvres are delicious and creamy thanks to fat-free cottage cheese, but also savory from chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss in some breadcrumbs for a binder and bake for 20 minutes at 350. Top them with some fresh-grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
-
Goat Cheese, Cranberry, and Walnut Crostini
Not only are these nutty and fruity treats delicious, they couldn’t be easier to make. Start by spicing 48 walnut halves with some cinnamon, salt and pepper. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes at 375. Slice a whole-wheat baguette into 48 thin slices, lightly coat with olive oil and toast in the oven until crisp. Mix 16 oz of your favorite goat cheese with 1 cup of cranberries. Spoon the mixture evenly on the bread slices and top each with a walnut half. This one will have your guests thinking that you got cooking classes in Scottsdale as a holiday gift.
-
Baba Ghanoush and Pita Chips
The best thing about this dish is that you don’t have to make it yourself. Most groceries and all specialty food stores will have a selection of premium brands. Don’t forget a bag of toasted pita chips for dipping. If you must make your own, start with the freshest eggplant you can find and don’t forget plenty of garlic, scallions, and lemon juice. Tahini will give the roasted eggplant even more earthiness.
-
Crudo Shooters
Crudo means raw in Italian. If you’re guests are part of the raw seafood crowd – and why shouldn’t they be – then this combo of fresh sea scallops, littleneck clams, and tuna will be a huge hit. Dice up the seafood and mix with a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice and extra virgin oil. Add a finely minced jalapeno and fresh parsley for some heat and color. Serve in small cups or shot glasses. For an even better presentation, spoon the mixture back into the clam shell halves.
With this list of hors d’oeuvres, you’ll know you didn’t go to school for culinary studies, but your guests sure won’t. Happy New Year!
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Scottsdale for more information.
Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.chefs.edu/disclosures. Le Cordon Bleu® and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary. Credits earned are unlikely to transfer.