Are you trying to eat healthy but still want to entertain? With these quick tips, you will have healthy entertaining down to a science.Healthy Entertaining isn't difficult. Whether you are short on time or short on money, these simple tips will help you host a great get together filled with fruits and veggies without breaking the bank. First, decide on your budget, then your invitation list.Use coupons or look in grocery store circulars for discounts on fruits and veggies that you need.Check out your local farmer’s market ! These are great places to shop for colorful and tasty fruits and veggies. Also fruits & veggies that are in season tend to be cheaper and tasty. Once you have put together amazing and colorful displays of food, your guests won't even realize they are eating healthy. Here is My Favorite Menu for Healthy Entertaining on a Budget Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad with Mint Broiled Star Fruit with Vanilla Frozen Yogurt When you are on a healthy eating plan or on a mission to try some healthy entertaining, all types of fruits and vegetables count. Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried all count toward getting more fruits and veggies. Buying canned or frozen fruits and veggies can be a more cost effective way to add fruits and veggies to your dishes. Depending on the recipe, canned and frozen veggies can work just as well as the fresh alternatives. For the healthiest option, buy canned veggies without added salt and canned fruits without added sugar. If you are frustrated about having to throw away spoiled produce, stock up on frozen fruits and veggies, so you will have them on hand to add to your favorite recipes. Another thing I like to do is buy dried produce to use in some of my recipes. Some of my favorites are dried cranberries, dried apricots, and dried mushrooms. Apricots and cranberries are good o granola or in sauces. The dried mushrooms are great in omelets or pasta. Did you know that beans are a tasty, filling low-cost substitute for meat? For your main healthy entertaining entree, try serving Garbanzo Tabbouleh. Ingredients 1 cup bulgur (cracked wheat) 1 cup boiling water 2 cups diced tomatoes 1-1/2 cups cooked (1/2 cup dry will yield 1-1/2 cups cooked) or 1 can (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled and seeded 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper 1/2 cup sliced green onions 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint 1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1-1/2 Tbsp olive oil Directions Combine bulgur and boiling water in a large bowl; stir well. Let stand 30 minutes or until water is absorbed. Add tomato and remaining ingredients; toss gently. Serve at room temperature. Healthy entertaining doesn't have to be about brown food. This colorful salad is big on color and taste! Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad with Mint Ingredients 2 large cucumbers, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp white sugar 1 tsp salt 3 large tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped 2/3 cup coarsely chopped red onion 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1 Tbsp olive oil Directions In a large bowl, toss together the cucumbers, vinegar, sugar and salt. Let stand at room temperature for an hour, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, onion, mint and oil to cucumbers and toss to blend. Broiled Star Fruit with Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Ingredients 4 medium size star fruit, trimmed and each sliced into 8 stars 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp light brown sugar 2 cups sugar free, fat free vanilla frozen yogurt Directions Place a broiler rack 6 inches from source of heat. Preheat broiler. Arrange star fruit slices on a baking sheet and brush with lemon juice. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil until sugar bubbles and begins to darken, about 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile,scoop frozen yogurt into 4 dessert dishes. Top each serving with 4 star fruit slices. Serve immediately.
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