Tag: appetizers

  • Roasted Pineapple Salsa

    Roasted Pineapple Salsa

    How to Make Roasted Pineapple Salsa

    Pineapple and high temperatures were made for each other, and this recipe concentrates the flavors with a quick skillet roast. That said, if the weather is nice, an outdoor grill will do the job just as well. Mixed with the right amount of pepper to give a Southwestern kick, this sweet, spicy combination is especially tasty on warm tortilla chips. 

    Find this recipe and more in our cookbook Tex Mex Diabetes Cooking. To order directly from the American Diabetes Assocation, click here!


    6 min prep time


    2 min cook time


    20servings


    2 tbsp

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a skillet over high heat, cook pineapple chunks until slightly charred, about 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and cool to room temperature.
    2. Refrigerate in an airtight container, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
    3. Place pineapple chunks in a large bowl. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and green onions. Mix well.
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    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 tbsp


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      15

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      0mg

      0%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      0g

    • Potassium
      40mg

      <1%

    Ingredients

    canned pineapple chunks (drained and chopped)
    2 cups

    red onion (minced)
    1/4 cup

    red bell pepper (diced)
    1/4 cup

    jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced)
    1

    green onion (scallion) (green part only, chopped)
    3

  • Chicken and Roasted Pepper Lettuce Cups

    Chicken and Roasted Pepper Lettuce Cups

    How to Make Chicken and Roasted Pepper Lettuce Cups

    From Designed for One!, by Nancy S. Hughes. Available for order here.

    This recipe featured in:

     


    10 min prep time


    8 min cook time


    1serving


    2 lettuce cups

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat both sides of the chicken with cooking spray and cook 4 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center. Place on cutting board, let cool 2–3 minutes, and chop.

    2. Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients, except the lettuce leaves, in a bowl.

    3. To assemble, line each leaf with the chopped chicken and top with the red pepper mixture.

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    Nutrition facts

    1 Serving



    • Serving Size

      2 lettuce cups


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      390

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      16g

      21%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      65mg

      22%

    • Sodium
      320mg

      14%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      27g

      10%

      • Dietary Fiber
        9g

        32%
      • Total Sugars
        5g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      37g

    • Potassium
      830mg

      18%

    Ingredients

    chicken cutlet
    4 oz

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    roasted red pepper (chopped)
    2 oz

    no-salt-added garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained)
    1/3 cup

    red onion (finely chopped)
    2 tbsp

    pitted kalamata olives (coarsely chopped)
    4 whole

    fresh basil (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    2 tsp

    red wine vinegar
    1 tsp

    romaine or Boston lettuce leaves
    2 leaves

  • Whole-Wheat Cracker Rings with Black Pepper and Fennel Seeds (Taralli Integrali con Pepe e Finocchio)

    Whole-Wheat Cracker Rings with Black Pepper and Fennel Seeds (Taralli Integrali con Pepe e Finocchio)

    How to Make Whole-Wheat Cracker Rings with Black Pepper and Fennel Seeds (Taralli Integrali con Pepe e Finocchio)

    The southern Italian provinces of Lazio, Molise, Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, Abruzzo, and Calabria all share the tradition of serving taralli—crunchy, cracker-like breads—with appetizers. In the old days, drying out these crackers was a way of preserving them. Today, they are a matter of taste and tradition. In Calabria, these crackers are prepared for the feast of St. Anthony. Traditional shapes for these crackers include rings, ropes, braids, sticks, and horseshoes. Wrapped in clear cellophane bags with a pretty tie, taralli make elegant gifts.


    15 min (plus 2 1/2 hr rising time) prep time


    20 min cook time


    3 bread rings

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast with 1/4 cup lukewarm water.
    2. Place the flour, pepper, fennel seeds, chile flakes, and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture, an additional 1/2 cup lukewarm water, and 3 tablespoons. olive oil. Mix well to combine and form a dough.
    3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead energetically, adding a little more flour if needed, for about 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
    4. Oil a large bowl with remaining 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and place the dough inside. Turn dough to coat with oil, and cover with plastic wrap and clean kitchen towels. Allow to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 1/2 hours.
    5. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    6. Remove dough from bowl and break off a small chunk. Roll into a 6-inch rope that is approximately the width of a pencil, and form into a circle. Pinch the ends together tightly, and place ring on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Cover rings with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
    7. Brush tops of the rings with the egg white and bake until light golden, 15–20 minutes. Remove, cool on a rack, and store in a tightly covered container for up to a month.
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    Nutrition facts



    • Serving Size

      3 bread rings


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        0g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      160mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    active dry yeast
    2 1/2 tsp

    lukewarm water (divided)
    3/4 cup

    whole-wheat flour or gluten-free baking mix, plus extra for work surface
    2 cup

    freshly ground black pepper
    1 tbsp

    fennel seeds
    2 tsp

    crushed red chile flakes
    1/4 tsp

    unrefined sea salt
    1/2 tsp

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided)
    3 1/2 tbsp

    egg white, lightly beaten
    1

  • Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    How to Make Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

    This recipe makes a great appetizer, but add some lean protein such as chicken or pork to the rolls and you have a light meal. To save time, use bagged coleslaw mix with cabbage and carrots.


    30 min prep time


    12servings


    1 roll with about 1 tbsp sauce

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a medium bowl combine cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, 1/4 cup of the cilantro and green onion.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, water, oil, pepper flakes, garlic, and remaining 2 tbsp cilantro.
    3. Before using, soak spring roll skin in water for 10-15 seconds and shake off excess water. Place about 1/4 cup of vegetable mixture in the bottom of spring roll. Take the spring roll edge nearest to you and fold to cover the filling. Take the side edges and fold in tightly. Roll outward to seal. Repeat procedure for remaining 11 spring rolls.
    4. Serve spring rolls with peanut sauce.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 roll with about 1 tbsp sauce


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      300mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      110mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    cabbage (shredded)
    1 cup

    carrot(s) (shredded)
    1 cup

    cucumber(s) (peeled, seeded and diced)
    1 cup

    chopped fresh cilantro
    1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp

    green onion (chopped)
    1

    peanut butter (heated in microwave for 30 seconds)
    1/4 cup

    soy sauce (gluten-free)
    3 tbsp

    rice wine vinegar
    3 tbsp

    hot water
    2 tbsp

    canola oil
    1 tbsp

    crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
    1/4 tsp

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    spring roll skins
    12

  • Tzatziki and Vegetables

    Tzatziki and Vegetables

    How to Make Tzatziki and Vegetables

    Traditional Mediterranean tzatziki sauce is perfect for dipping low-carb non-starchy vegetables. It can also be used as a topping on salads, sandwiches or wraps.


    8 min prep time


    16servings


    2 Tbsps.

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. 12-24 hours before serving, line a strainer with a paper coffee filter or cheesecake cloth. Place over a bowl. Spoon yogurt into coffee filter, cover, and refrigerate for 12-14 hours.
    2. Yogurt will now be thick. Discard the collected liquid beneath or use it in soups or breads. Remove yogurt from the filter and place in a small bowl.
    3. Mix cucumber, garlic, dill weed, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil into yogurt. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.
    4. Serve with a variety of vegetables like: fresh green beans (lightly steamed), green, red, or yellow bell peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower.
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    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      2 Tbsps.


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      20

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      57mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      1.5g

    Ingredients

    plain non-fat yogurt
    2 cup

    cucumber(s) (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
    1/2

    garlic (large, minced)
    2 clove

    dried dill (can use 1 Tsp. of chopped fresh dill instead)
    1/2 tsp

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    lemon juice
    2 tsp

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    fresh vegetables ((choose a variety: fresh green beans (slightly steamed), green, red, or yellow peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower. ))
    6 cup

  • Turkey Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

    Turkey Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

    How to Make Turkey Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

    These spicy, creamy, bacon-wrapped treats are a sure crowd pleaser.


    25 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    20servings


    1 popper

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. Add the peppers to a large sauté pan filled with one inch of water and cook over high heat. Bring to boiling, turn off the heat, and cover. Let the peppers steam for 10 minutes.
    3. Remove the peppers from the pan and let them cool to the touch. Cut each pepper in half, lengthwise, and remove the ribs and seeds (if you like it spicy, leave these in or only remove some of them). NOTE: Wear gloves or use a sandwich baggie to protect your hands while handling the peppers. Wash your hands immediately after.
    4. Lay the peppers cut side up on a sheet pan.
    5. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and diced sausage. Fill each pepper half with 1 Tbsp. of the cream cheese mixture.
    6. Cut each piece of turkey bacon in half, lengthwise. Wrap each pepper with a strip of turkey bacon and place seam side down on the baking sheet or secure the bacon with a toothpick.
    7. Bake the poppers for 20 minutes. Let them cool to room temperature before serving.
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    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 popper


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      50

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3.5g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      15mg

      5%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      130mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    medium-large jalapeño peppers
    10

    light cream cheese
    3/4 cup

    precooked andouille-style chicken sausage (diced)
    1 link (3 oz)

    turkey bacon
    10 slice

  • Tofu Spring Rolls

    Tofu Spring Rolls

    How to Make Tofu Spring Rolls

    You can also make these spring rolls with just the lettuce as wrapper instead of the rice paper to make this recipe even lower in carbohydrate.


    20 min prep time


    6servings


    1 spring roll

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and Splenda Brown Sugar.
    3. Slice tofu into 6 slices. Place on the baking sheet and lightly brush each slice with the soy sauce mixture. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely.
    4. Once the tofu is cool, cut each slice into three smaller slices.
    5. Divide the mango and cucumber each into 6 equal portions.
    6. Soak one rice paper wrapper in warm water until softened, about 30 seconds. Lay the rice paper on a clean, flat surface. Place one lettuce leaf on top of the rice paper.
    7. Place one portion of the mango and cucumber each in the center of the rice paper. Top the vegetables with 3 small slices of tofu and two slices of avocado.
    8. Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper and lettuces into the middle until almost touching. Roll paper from the bottom to form the roll tightly. Repeat for remaining rice papers. Set aside.
    9. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes. Serve warm with cold spring rolls for dipping.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 spring roll


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      215mg

      9%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      20g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      260mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    lower sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute
    1 tsp

    extra firm tofu
    12 oz

    spring roll wrappers (0.25 ounce each)
    6

    warm water
    2 cup

    lettuce leaves
    6 leaves

    mango (peeled and thinly sliced )
    1

    cucumber(s) (peeled, seeded and thinly sliced into strips)
    1 small

    avocado (sliced into 12 thin slices)
    1/2

    no-sugar-added apricot preserves (sugar-free)
    1/2 cup

    soy sauce (lower sodium)
    1 tbsp

    Thai style chili garlic sauce
    1/2 tsp

  • Thai Lemongrass Beef Skewers

    Thai Lemongrass Beef Skewers

    How to Make Thai Lemongrass Beef Skewers

    For another fun appetizer using this recipe, remove the cooked beef from the skewers and serve in lettuce cups with a dash of Thai-style hot sauce.


    1 hr prep time


    10 min cook time


    12servings


    1 skewer

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Soak bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 30 minutes.
    2. In a medium bowl, whisk the Splenda, soy sauce, pepper, garlic, and lemon grass. Add the beef to the marinade and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to four hours).
    3. Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill.
    4. Remove beef from marinade and divide meat evenly onto each of the 12 skewers. Discard marinade.
    5. Grill the skewers for about 5 minutes per side.
    6. Garnish the skewers with basil, cilantro and a lime wedge.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 skewer


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      75mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      14g

    • Potassium
      220mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    black pepper
    1 tsp

    lean beef tenderloin (cut into 1-inch chunks)
    2 lbs

    lower sodium soy sauce
    2 tbsp

    lemongrass (minced)
    2 stalks

    bamboo skewers
    12

    low-calorie sugar substitute
    2 tsp

    basil ((Thai basil if you can find it), chopped)
    1 cup

    cilantro (chopped)
    1 cup

    lime (cut into 6 wedges each)
    2

  • Sweet Onion, White Bean and Artichoke Dip

    Sweet Onion, White Bean and Artichoke Dip

    How to Make Sweet Onion, White Bean and Artichoke Dip

    This dip is a great substitute for high calorie, high fat spinach artichoke dip. Bring it as an appetizer to holiday gatherings or enjoy it at home as a snack.


    15 min prep time


    20servings


    1/20 of recipe

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, sugar, and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.
    2. Add the mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth, but thick.
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    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/20 of recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      40

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1.5g

      2%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.2g

        1%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      80mg

      3%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      5g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%

    • Protein
      2g

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    small Vidalia or other sweet onion (chopped)
    1

    sugar
    1 1/2 tsp

    garlic (minced)
    4 clove

    cannellini beans (15-ounce, drained and rinsed)
    1 can

    fresh lemon juice
    2 tbsp

    dried oregano (dried)
    1 tsp

    basil (dried)
    1 tsp

    pinch cayenne
    1

    Sea salt, to taste
    1

    Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    1

    artichoke hearts (15-ounce, drained)
    1 can

    sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated diced)
    1/4 cup

  • Sweet and Savory Baked Apples

    Sweet and Savory Baked Apples

    How to Make Sweet and Savory Baked Apples

    Serve these Sweet and Savory Baked Apples as a side dish or as an appetizer with whole grain crackers.


    10 min prep time


    6servings


    1

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. Place Ramekins on a baking sheet and coat each with cooking spray.
    3. In a mixing bowl, combine apples, melted Smart Balance, Splenda Brown Sugar, ground nutmeg and salt. Combine well.
    4. Fill each ramekin about half full of apples. Place one cheese wedge on top of apples and press to spread over the apples. Fill the ramekins with the remaining apples, mounding them over the rim of the ramekin.
    5. Bake in oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and top each ramekin with 1 Tbsp. of slivered almonds. Return to the oven to finish baking.
    6. Bake for 15 more minutes or until apples are bubbling and almonds are toasted. Remove from oven and let cool to just warmer than room temperature and serve. Can also be eaten cold or heated up in the microwave the next day.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.8g

        9%

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      290mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%

    • Protein
      4g

    Ingredients

    ramekins (5-ounce each)
    6

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    Granny Smith or other tart apple ((medium size), peeled, seeded and diced)
    2

    Honey Crisp Apples ((medium size), peeled, seeded and diced)
    2

    melted Smart Balance Light (or no trans fat margarine)
    2 tbsp

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute
    2 tbsp

    ground nutmeg
    1/8 tsp

    salt ((optional))
    1/4 tsp

    each lite spreadable cheese wedges ((Laughing Cow Lite Swiss Cheese Wedges))
    6

    slivered almonds
    6 tbsp