SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) The holiday season is filled with special gatherings, beloved traditions and all kinds of delicious food. Whether you’re hosting an intimate get-together or a house full of family and friends, a few thoughtful touches can help you create a festive spread that feels not only special, but also nourishing for your guests.
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares four simple tips for serving easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers that are celebratory, nutritious and holiday table-ready.
1. Eat the colors of the season. Incorporate colorful seasonal ingredients like pomegranates, citrus, sweet potatoes, cranberries and fresh herbs to naturally create a gorgeous, festive holiday palette and add nutrition.
Even simple touches, such as adding pomegranate seeds to salads or garnishing appetizers with rosemary or sage, can bring festive pops of color without requiring an entirely new recipe.
2. Bring balance to the holiday table. Celebrations and get-togethers are meant for enjoying comfort food—some of which may be less healthy for you. That doesn’t mean you should leave these festive dishes off the menu; instead, create balance around them. Add protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with the seasonal favorites your family looks forward to every year.
Offering nourishing options alongside festive favorites gives guests the freedom to build a plate with the food they love, while keeping their bodies properly fueled and satisfied.
3. Give ingredients a second act. Choosing versatile ingredients that can be easily repurposed into meals and snacks helps reduce food waste and simplifies post-holiday meals.
For example, leftover roasted vegetables can be folded into an omelet, fresh herbs can brighten sandwiches and salads, and proteins can be an easy addition to grain bowls or wraps. Thinking beyond holiday meals can help you get more out of what you already have on hand.
4. Put a fresh spin on a holiday favorite. By adding in unexpected ingredients, such as bold herbs, you can elevate the cherished recipes guests know and love.
An easy way to put that advice into practice is with Eggland’s Best Hardy Holiday Deviled Eggs—a protein-packed twist on a beloved appetizer that brings holiday flavors together in one crowd-pleasing bite.
Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs provide 6 grams of protein per egg and come peeled and ready to eat, making them a convenient option for easy holiday entertaining. Plus, they contain more than double the vitamin B12 and 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, making them a nutritious addition to your holiday spread.
Ingredients:
• 12 Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 4 slices turkey bacon
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1-2 tablespoons spicy mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cranberry sauce, as topping
• Potato sticks, as topping
Directions:
1. Cook the turkey bacon as desired, crumble or chop it and set aside. In a small pan, melt the butter and cook the sage until softened, about 3-4 minutes, then set aside.
2. Slice the eggs lengthwise, set aside the whites and add the yolks to a bowl.
3. Mash the yolks with sour cream and mustard until you get a smooth paste, then add in sage, salt and pepper.
4. Pipe the mixture onto the egg whites until the filling goes over the top.
5. Add bacon, cranberry sauce and potato sticks for some extra cheer.
For more nutritional information and holiday recipes, visit http://www.egglandsbest.com/.
By focusing on fun, festive ingredients that fuel your body, you can nourish your friends and family and uphold all your favorite holiday traditions.
