Toasted Bread for Bruschetta

Toasted Bread for Bruschetta
Prep Time
15 minutes
Number of Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 (12x5-inch) loaf country bread with thick crust, ends discarded, sliced crosswise into [q:3/4]-inch-thick pieces
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher or flake sea salt
Directions
  1. Adjust oven rack 4 inches from broiler element and heat broiler.
  2. Arrange bread in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
  3. Broil until bread is deep golden and toasted on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  4. Lightly rub 1 side of each toast with garlic (you will not use all of garlic). Brush with oil and season with salt to taste.
Nutrition Info
177 Calories, 5 g Protein, 26 g Carbohydrates, 2 g Total sugars (0 g Added sugars), 1 g Fiber, 6 g Total fat (1 g sat), 301 mg Sodium, [nutrition:3] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), [nutrition:2] Folate, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), Iron

Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie Boards
Perfect for appetizers, snacks, and light meals.
Kelli Wilson
a serving board with fruit, cheese, meat, and crackers

Charcuterie boards are an assortment of cheeses, meats, nuts, breads, crackers, fruit, and vegetables that are beautifully presented on a board. They’re perfect for appetizers, light meals, or snacks.

To be called a charcuterie board, meat must be included. But no matter the definition, any pleasing arrangement on a board—with or without meat—is a healthy way to enjoy food.

Choosing the Board

  • Material

    The material doesn’t matter as long as it’s food safe.

    Consider the event when deciding what type of board to use.

    • Wooden

      A rustic wooden board works for a casual dinner or picnic.

    • Plastic

      A cheerful plastic board in a bright color makes a good choice for a birthday party.

    • Marble / Ceramic

      If you’re hosting a sophisticated event, consider a ceramic or marble board.

  • Shape

    Rectangular boards are the most popular but any shape will work.

  • Size

    Keep items in their original containers and block out where they’ll go on the board to determine the size you’ll need.

    A finished board should not look crowded or sparse.

  • Accessories

    Accessorize the board with forks, tongs, small knives, and spoons so guests can serve themselves.

    Include toothpicks and tiny skewers for spearing olives, and meat and cheese chunks.

    Be sure to place an empty bowl nearby for used toothpicks to be discarded.

Designing the Board

  • Arrangement

    Start by looking at it as a canvas, and place the largest pile of food in the center, working out toward the edges and adding smaller piles surrounding it.

    Don’t worry if everything doesn’t fit on the board. Dips and spreads may be better off in small bowls placed around the board.

    Another option is to place similar items together on the board. This creates a cohesive look.

  • Size of Pieces

    No matter what makes its way onto your board, be sure to cut everything into bite-size pieces. This makes the food easy to pick up and eat, and it creates a pleasing and uniform look.

  • Garnishes

    Don’t forget about natural garnishes. A basil bunch in the center of the board not only looks like a flower, but it also allows people to pick a few leaves to top dips or bruschetta.

Selecting Food for the Board

Consider the season (summer, fall, winter, spring) to highlight produce and other items that are fresh and available. Think about the food preferences and dietary needs of the guests.

Embrace colors, textures, and a variety of foods when building a board. Balance your item selections, so there’s still a variety of food to choose from after the board has been picked over. Here are some options to consider.

  • Meat

    • For a true charcuterie board, include aged or cured meats.
    • Sliced luncheon meat or leftover roast chicken work well too.

  • Vegetables

    Store sliced veggies in an ice water bath until you assemble the board. This helps keep them crisp.

    • For the ultimate crunch, slice bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, and carrots for the board.
    • Blanched green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower are healthy choices too.
    • Marinated mushrooms and artichokes are a welcome addition.

  • Crackers and Breads

    • Crackers provide crunch and help scoop up dips and hummus.
    • Look for bagel crisps, pita chips, wholegrain, and gluten-free options.
    • French bread, flatbread, or pita bread can be sliced into desired serving sizes.
    • Include an equal number of crackers and breads.

  • Fruits

    • Sliced peaches, pears, apples, or bananas can be fanned out for an appealing look.
    • Whole grapes, figs, strawberries, and other berries are colorful and easy to pick up.
    • Don’t forget about dried varieties, for a pop of fruity flavor:
      • cranberries
      • apples
      • apricots
      • cherries
      • prunes
      • dates
      • raisins

  • Cheeses

    Hard or soft, there’s no wrong choice.

    • cheddar
    • parmesan
    • goat
    • feta
    • smoked Gouda
    • brie
    • fresh mozzarella

  • Dips

    • Hummus, pesto, artichoke, olive tapenade—the choice is yours.
    • Don’t forget to include a dollop of jam or honey next to the fruit for dipping.

  • Extras

    • Roasted cashews and raw almonds add a delightful crunch.
    • Olives (green or black) add a savory component.
    • Consider squares of dark chocolate for additional flavor.
Sources

“15 charcuterie board ideas to take your dinner parties to the next level” by Molly Allen, www.Insider.com, 8/18/21

Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings by Elle Simone Scott ($30, America’s Test Kitchen, 2022)

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Contributor
Lisa Fabian
Tags
cheese
parties

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Crispy Brown Rice, Nut & Fruit Bars

Crispy Brown Rice, Nut & Fruit Bars
Prep Time
30 minutes, plus 12 minutes cook time
Number of Servings
30 servings
Ingredients
Directions
  1. Place the syrups and peanut butter into a small saucepan and whisk thoroughly to mix. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir or whisk frequently, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the syrup thickens and drips slowly from the spoon.
  3. Place the crispy cereal, dried fruit, seeds, and nuts in a mixing bowl. Pour the hot syrup over the mixture and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  4. Lightly moisten a glass baking dish with cold water. With moistened hands, place the mixture in the baking dish and press it down evenly and firmly.
  5. Place the dish in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the syrup to harden. Remove and slice into bars or squares.
  6. Store in a covered container on the counter or refrigerate.
Nutrition Info
114 calories, 3 g fat (22% calories from fat), 2 g protein, 20 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium

Raspberry Avocado Sorbet with Vanilla Beans

Raspberry Avocado Sorbet with Vanilla Beans
Chocolate and Vanilla Lovers Rejoice!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Number of Servings
Serves 4
Ingredients
  • 1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
  • [q:2 1/2] pints fresh raspberries
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 Simply Organic Madagascar Vanilla Bean, scraped
  • [q:1/4] cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
  1. Properly chill your ice cream or sorbet churning bowl in the freezer over night. (If you don't have an ice cream maker, see notes below).
  2. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine avocado, raspberries, lime juice, honey and vanilla bean. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour mixture into chilled ice cream maker and freeze for about 10 minutes. Stir in dark chocolate chips, then continue freezing according to the ice cream maker manufacturer's instructions. Serve or store in freezer.
Nutrition Info
306 Calories, 4 g Protein, 48 g Carbohydrates, 25 g Total sugars (16 g Added sugars), 18 g Fiber, 14 g Total fat (4 g sat), 9 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin C, [nutrition:2] Vitamin K, Folate, Magnesium, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, E, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc

Eggplant Fries with Marinara

Eggplant Fries with Marinara
Prep Time
30 minutes
Number of Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • [q:1/2] cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • [q:1/2] cup panko breadcrumbs
  • [q:1/2] cup traditional breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • [q:3/4] tsp garlic salt
  • 1 large eggplant
  • Spray oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, to serve
Directions
  1. Place flour in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, whisk eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, traditional bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
  2. Trim ends of eggplant and cut eggplant into strips that are 4 to 5 inches long and [q:3/4] inch thick.
  3. Dip eggplant fries into flour, then eggs, and then cheese and breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to coat each fry evenly.
  4. Spray an air fryer basket with spray oil and place a single layer of eggplant fries into the basket. Spray fries with spray oil.
  5. Air-fry eggplant fries at 400° for 10 minutes, flipping fries halfway through cooking time. Repeat process with remaining eggplant fries.
  6. Serve eggplant fries warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Info
245 Calories, 12 g Protein, 35 g Carbohydrates, 7 g Total sugars (0 g Added sugars), 5 g Fiber, 6 g Total fat (3 g sat), 451 mg Sodium, [nutrition:2] Vitamin B3 (niacin), Calcium, Phosphorus, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, E, K, Folate, Iron, Zinc

Very Easy Samosa

Very Easy Samosa
(Indian stuffed fried pastry)
Prep Time
30 minutes, plus 15 minutes cook time
Number of Servings
32 samosa
Ingredients
Directions
  1. Place the rice and lentils in a bowl with the raisins and mix.
  2. Take a won-ton wrapper and place 1 heaping teaspoon of the rice filling in the center of the wrapper.
  3. With cold water, moisten the edges of the wrapper. Take one corner of the wrapper and fold it over the filling to the opposite corner and press firmly to seal the filling inside the wrapper forming a pyramid-shaped pastry. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
  4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot. When hot deep fry several samosa at a time until crisp and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Serve with chutney, sweet and sour, spicy mustard, curry, plum or raisin sauce.
Nutrition Info
4 samosa: 444 calories, 2 g fat (5% calories from fat), 15 g protein, 90 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 820 mg sodium

Butternut Squash and Red Onion Mini Pizzas

Butternut Squash and Red Onion Mini Pizzas
Prep Time
40 minutes
Number of Servings
Makes 4 6-inch pizzas (serves 4)
Ingredients
  • [q:1 1/2] cups cubed butternut squash ([q:1/2]-inch pieces)
  • 1 small red onion, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus additional for dough
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough, room temperature
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into [q:1/2]-inch cubes, or 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • [q:1/8] tsp crushed red pepper
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°.
  2. Toss squash cubes and onion slices with the 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place vegetables on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, or until slightly softened.
  3. Roll dough out according to package instructions and shape into 4 (6-inch) crusts.
  4. Place crusts onto 2 greased baking sheets. Brush each crust with a small amount of the oil. Divide vegetable mixture between crusts. Top each crust with equal amounts of mozzarella cubes. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown.
  5. Garnish each pizza with equal amounts of crushed red pepper and thyme.
Nutrition Info
584 Calories, 23 g Protein, 67 g Carbohydrates, 4 g Total sugars (0 g Added sugars), 5 g Fiber, 25 g Total fat (11 g sat), 1,101 mg Sodium, [nutrition:5] Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Folate, Phosphorus, [nutrition:4] Vitamin A, Calcium, [nutrition:3] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), [nutrition:2] Iron, Zinc, [nutrition:1] Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium

Mini Rosemary and Cranberry Goat Cheese Bites

Mini Rosemary and Cranberry Goat Cheese Bites
Number of Servings
18 pieces (Serves 9)
Ingredients
  • 1 package Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Low Sodium Tortillas
  • 4 tsp coconut oil, divided
  • 10 oz goat cheese
  • 6 oz fresh cranberries
  • [q:1/2] cup orange juice
  • [q:1/4] to [q:1/3] cup coconut sugar (sweeten sauce to taste)
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • Fresh rosemary
Directions

  1. Cranberry Goat Cheese

    1. Start by making the cranberry sauce. Grab a medium sized saucepan and add [q:1/4] to [q:1/3] cup of coconut sugar (depending on how sweet you want it) and [q:1/2] cup of orange juice and stir until dissolved.
    2. Once sugar is dissolved, stir in the cranberries and cook until they start to pop and thicken the sauce, about 10 minutes. and cook over medium heat.
    3. Remove heat and add the cranberry sauce to a bowl to cool. Add 2 tsp of orange zest, stir and set aside.
    4. While the cranberry sauce is cooling down, soften 10 oz of goat cheese to room temperature and use a fork to break it up into a spreadable consistency in a medium mixing bowl.
    5. Once the cranberry sauce has cooled down and is now thickened, spoon about 2 Tbsp over the softened goat cheese in dollops and gently swirl in the cranberry sauce, being careful not to overmix.
    6. Refrigerate immediately until set.

  2. Tortilla Cups

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    2. Using a small bowl, place it upside down over the tortillas, and cut out 3 circles per tortilla with a knife.
    3. Grease up a mini muffin tin using 2 tsp coconut oil and a paper towel. Place each tortilla circle into the mini muffin tin to create a cup. Spoon an additional 2 tsp coconut oil on top to help crisping.
    4. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly brown. Let cool.

  3. Assemble and Serve

    1. Using a spoon or a cookie scooper, scoop out a dollop of the cranberry goat cheese mixture into the tortilla cups. Top with extra cranberry sauce if desired.
    2. Top with a sprig of rosemary on each tortilla cup, place on a holiday platter, and enjoy!
Nutrition Info
Made with [q:1/4] cup coconut sugar: 236 Calories, 10 g Protein, 15 mg Cholesterol, 25 g Carbohydrates, 7 g Total sugars (5 g Added sugars), 4 g Fiber, 11 g Total fat (7 g sat), 241 mg Sodium, [nut:2] Phosphorus, [nut:1] Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc

Black Soybean Croquettes

Black Soybean Croquettes
Prep Time
15 minutes, plus 10 minutes Cook Time
Number of Servings
Serves 4
Ingredients

Croquettes

Dipping Sauce

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients except cornmeal and oil. Mash together between palms of hands or with a potato masher, and form into small, round croquettes. Roll each croquette in the cornmeal.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Fry croquettes for 2 minutes on all sides until golden, and drain on paper towels. These can also be made into patties, using less oil to fry on both sides.
  3. To prepare the dipping sauce, mix all ingredients together and place in individual dipping bowls. Serve. Dip croquettes into dipping sauce before eating.
Nutrition Info
522 calories, 33 g fat (55% calories from fat), 14 g protein, 47 g carbohydrate, 9 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 561 mg sodium

No-Bake Almond Butter S'mores Cereal Bars

No-Bake Almond Butter S'mores Cereal Bars
An Easy-To-Make Twist on a Campfire Classic
Number of Servings
Makes 12 bars
Ingredients
Directions
  1. Spray an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray and line with parchment.
  2. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and warm up almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup until it is melted and pourable, stirring every 10 to 15 seconds.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal with the almond butter mixture. Mix well, then press this layer down into the pan.
  4. Melt 1 cup dark chocolate using a double boiler method or the microwave. Pour on top of the almond butter cereal layer, reserving about [q:1/4] cup for a drizzle on top.
  5. Sprinkle over marshmallows, pressing down gently to ensure they stick to the almond butter cereal layer.
  6. Finish with the remaining [q:1/4] cup melted dark chocolate, drizzling on top.
  7. Refrigerate until it is set, at least 30 minutes.
  8. Slice into bars, and enjoy!
Nutrition Info
1 bar: 349 Calories, 7 g Protein, 0 mg Cholesterol, 33 g Carbohydrates, 16 g Total sugars (14 g Added sugars), 5 g Fiber, 23 g Total fat (8 g sat), 46 mg Sodium, [nutrition:3] Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin E, [nutrition:2] Magnesium, Phosphorus, [nutrition:1] Calcium, Iron, Zinc
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