With the New Year right around the corner and everyone’s minds focused on their waist-trimming resolutions, we’ve compiled a list of festive, fun cocktails and appetizers for your New Year’s Eve party that won’t add another notch to your belt.
Oven Baked Zucchini Chips
Oven baked zucchini chips will keep your carb cravings at bay. With nutty parmesan and a mix of seasonings, these light and airy “chips” are portable and easy to eat with a cocktail in hand.
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip
This skinny buffalo chicken dip will be the star of your party. By making simple changes, like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, you’ll retain the flavor but lose the calories. Pair it with veggies instead of crackers or chips and you’ve got a low-calorie treat that tastes every bit as decadent as you would hope.
Greek Layer Dip
The classic Mediterranean flavors in this dip will complement any holiday party. Using heart-healthy hummus and olives, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber, and low-fat feta, no one will be wishing for a high-calorie version. Adding fresh herbs like parsley and dill will send this dip over the edge. Serve with sliced veggies or toasted pita bread.
Cranberry Ginger Spice Sparkling Holiday Cocktail
Cranberries are a must-have on any holiday table, but cranberry juice is filled with sugar and can overload your cocktail with sweetness. This Cranberry Ginger Spice Sparkling Holiday Cocktail will give you the tart cranberry flavor without too much added sugar. The classic combination of rosemary and cranberries will be sure to put some excitement in your holiday party.
Blueberry Mint Fizz
Blueberries may make you think of summer, but combining them with mint and club soda turns them into a festive fruit cocktail for the season. Agave syrup to taste lets you control how the calories in your cocktail, and with the sweet and light flavors of the mint and blueberries, you most likely won’t be reaching for it.
Peppermint Mocha White Russian
It’s hard to think of a flavor more festive to the season than peppermint. Peppermint cocktails tend to be both full of fat and sugar, but this toned down Peppermint Mocha White Russian has some easy swaps (Cool Whip for whipped cream) that leave you with all the flavor and none of the guilt.
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Comments
These really are fun and festive ideas. My favorites here are the cranberry ginger spice holiday cocktail and the blueberry mint fizz. I don’t drink liquor, but love Martinelli’s; my kind of ‘drink’ for sure!
The Greek layer dip sounds great too. I love healthy hummus, but no cheese please. A little Mozzarella on pizza here and there is okay, and cream cheese. Love Middle Eastern restaurants, especially Persian and mid-century Chinese for an authentic dining experience. Not knocking Panda Express for take-out, but it’s not the same as the other. Persian does sounds great for tonight, with maybe a little baklava for dessert, hmmm?!
Not sure how many parties I’ll be attending just yet, hopefully none will be with my pseudo mother-in-law in attendance, however. I dodged THAT bullet on Christmas, Ms. Kirkland!
Helen’s other daughter asked her to go outside and extinguish her cigarette. Instead, removing it from its long holder, she “extinguished it” in one of the cupcake’s frosting on the foyer dessert table—leaving it there!