Just because we had weight loss surgery doesn't mean we can't party like rock stars! So here are some of my favorite super festive, super yummy, weight loss surgery friendly holiday appetizers.
Shelly's Cucumber Bruschetta Appetizer
1 Cucumber, sliced on the bias
1/2 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
3 oz. Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Pearls or 1/2 Small ones)
1 Tablespoon Basil Pesto Sauce
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
a few twists of Black Pepper
a pinch of Oregano
Kosher Salt to Taste
Slice cucumbers on the bias. Cut tomatoes in half and mozzarella balls too if not using pearl size. Toss tomatoes and mozzarella with pesto, vinegar, and seasonings. Allow to marinate about 5 minutes. Place a tomato & mozzarella ball or two on each cucumber slice. Serve cold.
Shelly's Roasted Veggie Bites
1 1/2 cup Roasted Veggies, minced
1/3 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled (I used Tomato Basil Feta)
5 Eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon ground Oregano
a few twists of Black Pepper
Preheat oven to 350. Chop cooled roasted veggies. A
mini food processor works great or have at them with some
kitchen shears.
Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into lightly greased (Pam non-stick spray works great for this)
mini muffin tins.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Let them cool a few moments they pull away and pop right out. Makes 24. Make great party snacks, grab & go breakfast, lunch or dinner with a
scoop of salad.
How to roast veggies: I used red, yellow, green peppers and red onions. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle of Kosher salt & a few twists of black pepper. Bake at 425 for 50-60 or so, stirring occassionally, till softened and caramelized. Great used in
salads,
casseroles,
meatloaf,
soup,
quick meals and on
tortilla pizzas.
Other Eggface Bites (aka crustless quiches)
Shelly's Ricotta Bake Cups
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Parmesan, grated
1 Egg Yolk
1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasonings (Oregano, Basil, Garlic Blend)
a few twists of Black Pepper
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Large Pepperoni Slices (from deli department, not prepackaged)
Mix all ingredients together (except mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices) till well blended.
Place a pepperoni slice in each hole of a mini muffin tin. Spoon a tablespoon of ricotta mixture into each pepperoni "cup" sprinkle top with a pinch of mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and remove from tin. Reheat in toaster oven or broiler.
You can make these next ones even more festive by alternating roasted red pepper hummus with plain or roasted garlic...
Shelly's Greek Hummus Rounds
Hothouse (aka English Cucumber)
Hummus (any flavor)
Kalamata Olives, sliced
Feta Cheese (I used Tomato Basil Feta)
Slice cucumber into rounds. Spoon a little hummus on each. Top with a slice of olive and hunk of feta cheese.
Shelly's Antipasto Skewers
You need:
Bamboo skewers
Storebought Pesto Sauce
A variety of Antipasto Items
Bocconcini (small Fresh Mozzarella Balls)
Olives (Green Sicilian & Black Kalamata)
Pepperoni Slices
Basil Leaves
Cubes of Cold Cuts
Cubes of Cheese
Giant Greek Beans
Artichoke Hearts (water packed)
Fresh Veggies (Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Peppers, all work great)
Marinated Veggies (Gardinara, Mushrooms)
Thread items onto bamboo skewers. Repeat until you’ve run out of skewers or ingredients. Drizzle skewers with pesto sauce nuke it for a few seconds to thin it out and sprinkle with Kosher salt and a few twists of black pepper.
In the next few weeks most of us will have holiday parties, get-togethers, visiting family and friends... these would be great on your holiday party buffets or taken to pot-lucks and you'll be sure there is something that you can have too. Warning... better keep some back for you because your non-op friends and family may gobble them up before you get to the table.
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