Recipes For Success: It’s Party Time!

December 13, 2012

The winter months, also known as the party season, bring our families and friends closer together as we celebrate the various holidays and traditions. But the party season also brings in a very busy and hectic schedule for many of us. Need a quick, easy to prepare appetizer recipe to bring to your next celebration? Here are four yummy, but simple, appetizer recipes for you to try. Enjoy!


Tasty Taco Cups

These bite-sized taco cups will be a hit at any party! You can mix it up a bit and use chicken or fish instead of, or in addition to, the taco-seasoned beef.

Serves 8-12

partytime1Ingredients

• 1 can refried beans
• 1/2 pound cooked taco-seasoned hamburger
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1 bag Tostitos Scoops!

Directions

Set scoops on a large platter and layer with beans, meat of your choice, cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, and black olives.


Baked Garbanzo Beans

Delicious, healthy, and crispy, this appetizer is super easy and one that your guests will want to try at home. You can add some of your favorite spices to get the taste you desire. You can try this same recipe using soybeans instead.

Serves 4

partytime2Ingredients

• 2 cans of Garbanzo beans
• 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt (optional)

Directions

Drain cans of garbanzo and rinse beans under running water. Pour beans onto a paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and pat dry. Put beans in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix well so the oil coats the beans. Pour beans onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 400° for 35-40 minutes until crispy and a light golden brown. Move the beans around about every 10 minutes so they don’t burn.


Tortellini Caprese Bites

Bring a little Italian food to your next party! These skewers make for a great party appetizer and are so simple to prepare.

Serves 12

partytime3Ingredients

• 1 9-oz. package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini (or any filling you prefer)
• 3 cups halved grape tomatoes
• 3 8-oz. containers fresh small mozzarella cheese balls (Ciliegine)
• 60 (6-inch) wooden skewers
• Basil vinaigrette

Directions

Prepare tortellini according to package directions. Rinse under cold running water. Thread 1 tomato half, 1 cheese ball, another tomato half, and 1 tortellini onto each skewer. Place skewers in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Pour basil vinaigrette over skewers, turning to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: The basil vinaigrette is quite strong, so you do not need a lot!


Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers

Just the right size for an appetizer plate, this baby stuffed bell pepper recipe delights as the fresh herbs, creamy feta, and sweet bell peppers come together to tickle the party goers palate!

Serves 12

partytime4Ingredients

• 24 mixed mini baby bell sweet peppers
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 4 ounces creamy feta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Directions

Cut a 1-inch strip lengthwise off each pepper. Cut out seeds. Dice pepper strips to equal 1/4 cup; set aside. Pulse basil and oregano until finely chopped. Add feta cheese, oil, and reserved diced peppers, and pulse until cheese is creamy. Spoon cheese mixture into peppers. Arrange on a baking sheet; top with pine nuts. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes or until peppers start to soften.


Recipe Disclaimer: If you have specific dietary restrictions, allergies or a nutrition plan that you are following, make sure to read the ingredient list prior to consumption. All information on ObesityHelp.com is intended for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact a medical professional with any questions and concerns.