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‘Tis the season for lights, gatherings, smiles, and food -- lots of food. It can be tough to eat healthy and in moderation during the holidays, so we’ve put together a few holiday-themed, tooth-friendly snack ideas that will help you keep the cravings under control while keeping your mouth (and your dentist) happy!
ANTIPASTO WREATH
What You Will Need:
Large Circular Platter
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
Sliced Cheeses and Meats
Assorted Fruits and Vegetables, such as: seedless grapes, olives, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts
Crackers
Sugarless Jam
How to Make It:
Arrange the fresh rosemary around the edge of the platter to form a wreath.
Inside the wreath, place your assorted cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies, crackers, and sugarless jam.
Your antipasto wreath will be a lovely and festive centerpiece, and filled with delicious, tooth-healthy bites. Plus, the rosemary will make your table smell amazing and fresh!
HOLIDAY PARFAIT
What You Will Need:
Plain Yogurt (recommend Greek yogurt)
Assorted Fruits, Sliced
Slivered Almonds, Granola, Chia seeds (optional toppings)
Clear Cups/Glasses
How to Make It:
Simply layer fruits and yogurt in alternating layers in your clear glasses, and top with any combination of granola, almonds and/or chia seeds.
Suggested Christmas-themed parfait layers:
Yogurt Base - Sliced Strawberries - Sliced Kiwi - Yogurt - Repeat Layers, and Top With Granola
Suggested Hanukkah-themed parfait layers:
Yogurt Base -Mixed Blueberries & Blackberries - Yogurt - Repeat Layers, and Top with Slivered Almonds
Suggested Kwanzaa-themed parfait layers: Yogurt Base - Slices Strawberries - Sliced Kiwis - Blackberries - Yogurt - Repeat Layers, and Top With Granola & Chia Seeds
VEGGIE TREE
What You Will Need:
A Large Rectangular Platter
Assorted Cut Veggies, such as: Broccoli florets, Celery Sticks, Julienne Sliced Bell Peppers (any/all colors, but recommend yellow for the star!), Grape Tomatoes, Cauliflower, Carrot Sticks, Cucumber Slices
Pretzel Sticks (optional, to represent tree trunk)
Veggie Dip (optional, suggested recipe below)
How to Make It:
Arrange the veggies on the platter in a tree shape -- that’s pretty much it! You can be as simple or creative as you wish.
You can use green veggies to form the “tree,” and brightly colored veggies to represent the ornaments and garlands.
Or simply arrange the veggies in alternating rows in a tree shape.
If you wish, arrange pretzel sticks at the base of the triangle to represent the tree trunk, and slices of yellow bell peppers at the top to represent a star.
Need a veggie dip? Here’s a quick and easy recipe for an absolutely addictive and surprisingly healthy dip:
Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip Recipe:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill
¼ teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a small or medium bowl and mix well. That’s it!
If you wish, you can garnish the dip with a sprinkling of fresh chopped chives or fresh cracked pepper. Enjoy this addictive and healthy veggie dip with your veggie tree!
Obligatory dentist’s reminder: Remember to brush and floss every day amidst all your feasting and festivities! We wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season!