Sugarfree Holiday Appetizers

Having to watch your blood sugars often can mean you do not get to enjoy the sugarfree holiday appetizers with the rest of the family. Here is a list of special party, club or night-time snacks which can be made just for you.

Grilled Chicken Breast with Cucumber Sauce

• 1 tub non-fat 6 oz plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
• 1/2 tsp dried mint, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 cup chopped and seeded cucumber
• 4 skinless and boneless chicken breast halves
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl combine the yogurt, green onion, mint, cumin, salt and pepper. Remove half and place in a separate bowl. With the remaining half, stir in the chopped cucumber. Refrigerate.

Lightly sprinkle the chicken breasts with pepper. Grill the chicken breasts over medium coals until done, approximately 12-15 minutes. Brush the chicken with reserved sauce( bowl without the cucumbers) during the last two minutes of cooking. Discard any remaining marinade.

Serve chicken with the cucumber sauce and cucumber slices if desired. Makes 4 servings. This is one of the great sugarfree holiday appetizers.

Stuffed Mushrooms

• 24 fresh mushrooms, stems removed ( save them and use for dinner)
• 3/4 cup light or non-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red or yellow sweet peppers
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 24 tiny broccoli florets (for garnish)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Place mushroom caps, stem end down on cookie tray. Lightly spray tops with non-stick cooking spray. Bake 5 minutes. Cool on paper towels.

During baking, combine the next five ingredients plus a dash of salt and pepper. Stir till well combined.

Place mushrooms on a serving platter, stem sides up. Spoon about 3/4 tablespoon of sour cream mixture on each cap. Garnish with broccoli floret. Makes 12 servings- 2 mushrooms per each person. This is one of the great sugarfree holiday appetizers.

Peach Smoothies

• 2 cups sliced peaches or nectarines combined
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 6 oz carton peach yogurt (non-fat and sugarfree variety)
• 1 cup crushed ice

Fill the blender with the fruit, milk and yogurt. Blend until smooth.

Gradually add ice to the mixture through the top while still blending. Continue to the consistency you like. Makes 4 servings. This is one of the great sugarfree holiday appetizers.

Spicy Peanut-y Steak Skewers

• 1 lb. boneless beef sirloin steak, all fat removed
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 T. low sodium soy sauce
• 1 T. sliced green onion
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. garlic salt or powder
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes(if desired)

Preheat broiler. Cut steak into thin strips across the grain. Sprinkle with black pepper. Thread steak strips onto water-soaked wooden skewers (soak for at least 30 minutes before using). Place skewers on a broiler pan and cook for 4-6 minutes depending on doneness you desire. Turn over halfway through cooking time.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine peanut butter, 3 T. water, soy sauce, green onion, ginger and garlic. Stir together until smooth over medium-low heat. Add the red pepper flakes and stir. Brush each skewer with the sauce as removed from the broiler. Serve extra sauce on the side.Makes approximately 12-14 skewers. This is one of the great sugarfree holiday appetizers.

Italian Bruschetta

• 1 loaf of whole-grain French or Sourdough bread, cut into 1/2" thick slices
• 2/3 cup tub style light cream cheese
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano and basil, crushed and combined
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 3/4 cup chopped, seeded tomato
• 1/3 cup finely shredded fresh spinach

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Lightly coat both sides of bread with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes till browned, turning once. Cool.

During baking time, combine the cream cheese and spices. Stir well. Spread 1/2 T. cheese mixture per slice of bread and top with 1 T. tomato. Sprinkle with spinach. This is one of the great sugarfree holiday appetizers.

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