Category: Snacks

Posted on

Easy Fresh Green Onion Pesto

Spread this delicious fresh green onion pesto on your toast, roll it up in chicken, smother your salmon or toss it in pasta. How do you like your pesto?

Fresh Green Onion Pesto

Fresh Green Onion Pesto

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 8 servings
Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups scallion or green onions, coarsely sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 2 tbsp fresh chive
  • 5 cloves garlic (5 tsp minced)
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  • Hack:  Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or frozen for 12 months.  I recommend freezing in ice cube trays and then removing portions to a freezer-safe container so you can thaw just the amount you need.
  • Hack:  Pine nuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 months or in the freezer for 6 months.
  • Hack:  Chop leftover green onions and freeze them in a sealable freezer bag or container for future use.  While they won't retain the crispy texture of fresh green onions, they will be fine for use in cooking.
  • Hack: Use leftover pine nuts in Baked Rice Pilaf,  Healthy Vegetable Lasagna with Butternut Bechamel or Roasted Asparagus with Pine Nuts!
Keyword appetizer, easy, football snacks, green onion, healthy, hors d'oeuvres, low calorie, party food, pesto, pizza, quick prep, scallion, snack, vegetarian

Did you know?  Green onions are an excellent source of vitamin K!  Check out some more healthy benefits here!

Suggestion:   Use this pesto to make Chicken Pesto Naan Pizza!

Posted on

Hearty Healthy Black Bean Dip

This healthy black bean dip is a hearty, vegetarian dish that’s both flavorful and tasty. Serve it with chips or tortillas as an appetizer, snack or light meal!

Healthy Black Bean Dip

Healthy Black Bean Dip

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 6
Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ⅔ cup dried black beans
  • 4 cups water, divided
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 red onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 tsp)
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ cup boiling water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup cheddar cheese (3 oz)

Instructions
 

  • Cover beans with 2 cups of water and allow to soak for 6 - 12 hours. Drain and rinse.
  • Put 2 cups of water and beans to a saucepan. Turn heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until tender, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough water to keep beans from scorching. Drain excess water, if necessary.
  • (NOTE: The above step can be done ahead. Store beans tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)
  • Heat the oven to 475℉ degrees.
  • Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and saute for 5 -10 minutes until translucent but not browned. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about one minute.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes and cumin. Saute for 30 seconds.
  • Add the beans, boiling water and generous pinches of salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
  • Transfer to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake until the cheese has melted, 5 to 10 minutes. If the top is not as browned as you’d like, run the dip under the broiler for 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Serve immediately with corn chips, crusty bread, pita or rice.
  • Hack: One cup of frozen onions can be substituted for fresh onion in this recipe.
  • Hack: One 15 oz can of black beans can be substituted for the dried beans.
  • Hack: Store leftover dip in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Hack: Freeze leftover portions sealed in serving-sized portions for up to 6 months. Allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keyword appetizer, black bean, cheesy dip, dip, easy, football snacks, healthy, hearty, legume, snack, vegetarian

Did you know? Black beans are a member of the legume family.  Legumes come in many options, are inexpensive and they’re packed with nutrition!!

Suggestion:  Serve this dip with some authentic Indian flatbread naan!

 

Posted on

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy fried green tomatoes is one of my favs, made more special due to the short window of green tomatoes! I love it when my gardening friends share!

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish, Snack
Servings 1 slice
Calories 74 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large green tomatoes
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup flour, divided
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • ¾ cup butter (1½ stick)

Instructions
 

  • Cut tomatoes into ½“ slices and set aside.
  • In a small, shallow bowl, mix ¼ cup flour, salt, sugar and pepper.
  • In another small shallow bowl, whisk egg and milk.
  • In a third bowl, mix the remaining flour and cornstarch.
  • Dredge each tomato slice in flour mixture, dip in egg mixture and coat with cornmeal mixture. Lay slices in a single layer on a flat surface and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes.
  • Melt ½ cup butter in a heavy skillet over medium until it begins to foam and sizzle around the edges.
  • Carefully place tomato slices in the pan and fry for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Do this in batches so as not to crowd the slices in the pan. Add more butter as necessary.
  • When cooked, remove slices from the pan to paper towels or rack to drain. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before eating.
Keyword breaded, easy, green tomato, home grown, pan fried, side dish, snack, unripened tomato, vegetable, vegetarian

Did you know?  While green tomatoes have fewer health benefits than their fully ripened counterparts, they still have a great nutritional profile!

Suggestion:  Serve with ranch dressing, if desired.

Posted on

Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

There’s nothing like crispy homemade sweet potato fries dipped in honey mustard sauce.  What’s your favorite way to eat them?

Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course side, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 3
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel the sweet potato, if desired. Cut into ½” strips.
  • Heat 1” oil in a heavy skillet on medium until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into it (5-10 minutes).
  • Carefully put sweet potato strips in hot oil and fry until golden brown (7-10 minutes), cooking in batches so as not to crowd potatoes. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a rack. Salt to taste while still hot.
Keyword easy, fries, potatoes, side dish, simple, snacks, sweet potato, vegan, vegetarian

Did you know?  Sweet potatoes have a surprising number of health benefits including maintaining blood pressure and insulin levels!

Suggestion: Serve with honey mustard dip!

Posted on

Fresh Orange Juice Quick Bread

This incredibly moist and delicious orange juice quick bread uses orange zest and fresh orange juice for extra-bright citrus flavors everyone will love.

Orange Juice Quick Bread

Orange Juice Quick Bread

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course afternoon tea, Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack
Servings 10
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 orange
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 stick butter, room temperature (½ cup)
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup orange juice + ¼ cup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉. Coat one 9” x 5” loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
  • Zest orange.  Pulse the remaining orange in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
  • Cream eggs, butter and sugar together with a mixer until pale. Add orange zest, orange puree, ½ cup orange juice and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  • Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to sugar mixture and blend until smooth
  • Place batter into loaf pan and bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or until the internal temperature is 190℉, about 60 minutes.
  • Immediately after taking the bread out of the oven, drizzle the top with ¼ cup orange juice, going slowly enough to allow the juice to soak into the top of the bread.
  • Allow to cool completely before slicing.
  • Hack: For smaller loaves (for freezing or giving away!), divide the batter between two 6’ x 4” loaf pans lined with parchment paper and bake for 40-45 minutes. Alternately, line 24 muffin cups with muffin papers. Divide batter between cups and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Hack: Store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.
  • Hack: To easily zest a whole orange, use a vegetable peeler. Lay unused zest in a single layer and freeze. Store, tightly wrapped, in the freezer for up to 6 months.
  • Hack: Zest and puree any leftover oranges in the blender or food processor for use in recipes such as cakes, cookies or breads. 1 orange yields about ⅓ cup puree, which can be sealed in a bag and stored in the freezer.
  • Hack:  Leftover orange juice can be frozen for up to 12 months.  Pour orange juice into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer until solid.  Transfer to freezer bags or freezer safe containers for storage.
Keyword afternoon tea, baked breakfast, breakfast, brunch, orange juice, orange zest, oranges, quick bread, snack, vegetarian

Did you know?  Oranges are actually classified as a berry! Check out some more fun facts here!

Suggestion: If you love quick bread, try this simple homemade banana bread by Lily-Rose Kindergarten Cook!

Posted on

Homemade Dried Fig Chutney

Dried fig chutney is thick, flavorful and spicy jam that’s mildly sweet. It’s great on crackers for snack time or as a saucy side to your favorite meal!

Dried Fig Chutney

Dried Fig Chutney

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course side, Snack
Cuisine Indian
Servings 2 tbsp
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb dried figs (14 figs, two cups chopped)
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp coriander
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp dried ginger
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ cup brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Remove any hard stems from figs and roughly chop. Place them in a medium saucepan with water. Cover and bring to boil.
  • Remove from heat and allow to sit for 15-20 or until tender. Drain the figs and return to the pan.
  • Add the onion, raisins, garlic, vinegar and spices to the pan. Return to the stovetop and bring to a boil.
  • Turn heat down to medium-low and simmer until onions and raisins are tender and all liquid is absorbed, 25-30 minutes.
  • Add brown sugar, turn heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring constantly, until liquid from melted brown sugar is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  • Hack: Cover chutney tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Keyword afternoon tea, chutney, cracker spread, dried figs, Indian cuisine, Indian food, jam, jelly, pickle, preserve, puree, relish, spread

Did you know?  Figs, whether fresh or dried, are a nutritional powerhouse!

Suggestion: Use this chutney in grilled cheese sandwiches or stuffed chicken breast!

Posted on

Homemade Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

What are you gonna do with that leftover whole berry cranberry sauce?  How about making this sweet-tart-but-with-a-kick cranberry jalapeño dip?

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

(Courtesy: Penny Jacques)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 2 tbsp
Calories 71 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Put cranberry sauce in a colander and shake to remove as much jelly as possible, leaving just the sweetened cranberries.
  • Mix cranberries with cream cheese, sour cream and jalapeno pepper.  Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to blend.
  • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keyword appetizer, buffet, cracker spread, Cranberry, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, dip, football snacks, jalapeno pepper, leftovers, party food, snack, sour cream

Did you know? People call cranberries a superfood for good reason: They have all kinds of health-boosting benefits.

Get the recipe for whole berry cranberry sauce here!

Posted on

Simple Homemade Applesauce

Simple homemade applesauce is versatile and sooooooo easy to make! It makes a healthy snack, can be added to baked goods or served as a quick side dish!

Simple Homemade Applesauce

Simple Homemade Applesauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish, Snack
Servings 6
Calories 30 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 apples, any variety*
  • 1 tsp lemon juice**
  • Sugar to taste
  • Cinnamon or apple pie spice to taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel apples and cut chunks directly off the core and into a medium saucepan.
  • Cover the pan and cook over medium-low heat until liquid begins to gather on the bottom of the pan (about 10 minutes).
  • Turn heat up to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and break up easily when stirring, approximately 10-20 minutes depending on the variety of apples.  Add lemon juice and stir to blend.
  • If smoother applesauce is desired, use a whisk or (after cooling slightly) blender to remove lumps.  Add sugar and spice to taste, if desired.
  • *Different apples will result in subtle flavor differences.  The sweeter the apple variety, the sweeter the applesauce. For this reason, I suggest you taste the finished applesauce before adding sugar or spices.
  • **Lemon juice is used to slow down oxidation and to keep the applesauce from browning.  It’s not necessary for the taste or texture of the finished product and can be left out if preferred.
  • Hack:  Freeze leftovers in serving-sized portions for up to 3 months to use as a snack or in cooking/baking.
Keyword applesauce, cooked apples, easy, healthy, homemade, low calorie, side dish, snack, stewed, vegan, vegetarian

Did you know?  Despite the fact that over 2,500 varieties of apples are currently grown in the United States, only one variety is native to the country.  Click here to find out more!

Suggestion:  Use applesauce to make this simple white bread!

Posted on

Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Baked cauliflower buffalo bites are a snack you can feel good about. Serve ‘em up with some ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce!

Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Baked Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 4
Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Dash hot, sriracha or wing sauce
  • ¼ tsp hot, sriracha or wing sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 450℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together flour, water, onion powder and garlic powder. Add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Add cauliflower to batter and toss to evenly coat. Lay in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until just beginning to brown. Remove from oven.
  • In a medium bowl, mix hot sauce and butter. Add cauliflower and toss to coat. Return to baking sheet.
  • Bake for an additional 5 minutes or to desired brownness.
  • Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  • Hack: To reheat, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat at 375℉ until heated through, about 10 minutes
Keyword appetizer, buffalo wings, cauliflower, football snacks, healthy, hors d'oeuvres, low calorie, party food, snack, spicy, vegetarian

 

Did you know?  Cauliflower is part of the cruciferous collection of vegetables that are associated with lowering the risk of some types of cancer.

Suggestion:  Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Posted on

Super Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

These easy classic deviled eggs are the perfect nutritious, low-carb solution for brunch, buffets, picnics or just a delicious snack!

Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

Easy Classic Deviled Eggs

(Courtesy: Suzanne M. Woodworth)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 3
Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggs
  • 4 tsp mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp spicy brown mustard
  • ½ tsp honey
  • Paprika (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Put eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Cover the pan and bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and let the pan sit, still covered, for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, drain hot water from the pan and fill it with cold water and ice to cool. Peel the eggs.
  • Cut each egg in half lengthwise and gently squeeze white to pop yolks out into a small bowl.
  • Mix mayonnaise, mustard and honey with yolks. Scoop the filling back into whites. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired
Keyword appetizer, brunch, buffet, deviled eggs, easy, eggs, football snacks, hard boiled eggs, healthy, hors d'oeuvres, low carb, protein, snack, vegetarian

Did you know?  Despite the negative press that eggs have received in the past, they can absolutely be a part of a healthy diet!

Hard-boiled eggs keep in the refrigerator for one week so consider making a few extra while you’ve got the water boiling! They make a great snack alone, pickled or in egg salad.

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
YouTube
Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram