Skinny Chef Recipes - Appetizers
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tart the meal out with tasty, nutritious bites. Parties and celebrations are even more fun when you lighten up by serving healthy fare you can feel good about!Zucchini Salad with Lemon and Ricotta
Zucchini is such a tender vegetable, you can enjoy it without even having to turn on your stove. Eat it raw during the summer, when zucchini is at its peak. If you want to make this ahead of time, combine all the ingredients, but save the ricotta and fresh herbs to use right before you serve it.
Pulled Pork
My husband says that pork is the food of the gods and I think most men would agree! Last time I made pulled pork for my neighbor Claudio’s birthday party, we saw 30 pounds of pulled pork vanish in just under 2 hours. Watch your fingers ladies when you set this out for your next party.
Tomato Cantaloupe Salsa
The combo of heat and sweet says summer to me. Cantaloupe sweetens this perky salsa flavored with hot green chilies. If you’re not a fan of the heat, just omit or reduce the amount of chili.
Grilled Mango with Balsamic Glaze
Thanks to my friend Rob, who tends bar at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, you’ll be able to taste this unusual lip smacking combo. I added a pinch of chili for warmth and heat which breaks up the sweet punch of balsamic and mango. You rock Rob!!
Zucchini Fritters
At the end of the summer, Granny always had plenty of zucchini hanging on the vines in her garden. She would serve these fritters hot, but I like to prepare them ahead and offer them room temperature for a late morning brunch buffet.
Guacamole
Whenever I invite guests over during the summer - I serve plenty of guacamole because it’s so popular! Many friends have told me that their guacamole is not nearly as tasty and I think I know what the trouble is: Make sure that your avocados are completely ripe before cutting them open. Press the skin of the avocado - it should give slightly, the same way when you squeeze an orange. I buy mine 2-3 days before my party and store them on the windowsill. If your guacamole tastes bland it might need more lime juice and salt, taste as you mix.
Cucumber Kiwi Gazpacho
Ever tasted a Chinese Gooseberry? If you enjoy kiwis you have! Whatever you call ‘em, these hairy monsters are packing major vitamin C! A potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps to protect the skin against wind and sun damage and can be an ally in the fight against skin cancer. Perfect for your travel cup this summer
Salmon Ceviche
Allow the mixture to marinate 30 minutes before serving, but not longer as the grapefruit will “overcook” the fish. You will notice that the salmon will become more opaque as it marinates. I like to serve it in individual parfait glasses for an elegant presentation and garnish with the remaining tablespoon of cilantro and bits of zest. This dish pairs well with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Yucca Home Fries
Yucca Root or Cassava is a waxy root that grows in Southern America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some studies say that yucca is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and helps to ease arthritis pain, but I love it since it’s high in fiber, crucial for intestinal health.
Creamy Corn Bake
Kids love sweet corn baked in a small dish, just the right size for them! Yogurt and eggs add lots of protein too. Do you have extra summer time corn? Swap out one of the cans of creamed corn and add 2 cups of fresh corn kernels cut from the cob before baking.
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