Quick and easy recipes for healthier entertaining!
I love having friends and family over to share great food and great conversation!
The problem is, when time is short, chips, cheese and creamy/oily dips seem to be easiest things to grab and serve – but, after nibbling and chatting goes on, if your anything like me, you can end up leaving the party/event/family gathering feeling like you have gained a roll round your middle and a little on the sick side… I am sure we all deep down actually want to feel good don’t we?
The great news is, if you’re up for it, there is another way and this is the way I now do things. As well as a small amount of cheese (you will never get me to give up a small slice of blue cheese at a social occasion) or whatever your luxury item might be, you can serve some delicious healthy dips, some veggies/fruit, wholegrain crackers, olives, raw nuts and all sorts of other healthier goodies (more on this in future blogs….).
Today, I am going to focus on making healthy dips at home firstly because it is easier than you think and allows you to make a much healthier dip than many of the supermarket options and secondly because it is SO much cheaper to DIY!
I make these dips when I have friends over, to have with my lunch on crackers for a light meal or snack and really, they are good recipes to always have at hand.
Spicy Carrot and Chickpea Dip
2 carrots – peeled, chopped and steamed until soft
1 tspn of each of these spice: ground cumin, curry powder, ground coriander
1 can of chickpeas- drained and rinsed
2 tbsp tahini
Zest and juice of ½ orange
Method: Blend all the ingredients together in a blender. Add enough water to make into the consistency of your liking. Season to taste.
Beetroot Dip
I made this on TVNZ Breakfast a few weeks ago for Rawdon and Toni – they just loved it and have been making it themselves ever since.
Recipe from Healthy Food Guide – find it here…
Until next time
Happy healthier living
Love Claire x
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