3 Healthy Party Pairings : Smile-Worthy Inspirations From Holiday Film Favorites
Posted on November 5, 2015 in Just for Kicks
Since 74% of people think they have too many parties to attend during the holiday season, make your party stand out!
The holidays are notorious for nostalgia — from finger foods to must-watch movies. Combine the two classics to keep the cinema rich, and the food light (but just as delicious!). Make new memories with these movie-inspired munchies.
1. Perfect Pairing Inspired by A Christmas Story
Official Red Cider
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) works as a natural tooth whitener. And, if anything can make a cocktail healthy, it's ACV. It regulates blood sugar and helps with digestion.
Ingredients
2 cups cranberry juice
3 cups water
4 ounces of vodka
6 tablespoons honey
6 tablespoons ACV
Fresh thyme to taste
In a medium saucepan, add the ACV, honey and 1/2 cup of the water over heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and turn off heat. Add herbs and let sit for a few minutes. Drain. Add the rest of the water, cranberry juice and vodka. Mix and then serve over ice.
Only I Didn't Say Fudge
This mock-fudge recipe is so delicious; you'll think it's the real thing.
Ingredients
1 cup low-fat milk
3/4 cup raw cocoa powder
5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (5 packages)
1 cup water
¼ cup agave
1 teaspoon brandy extract
In a small saucepan, combine milk and cocoa. Whisk over medium heat, stirring until thick. In another small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water; let soften for a few minutes. Stir over low heat until gelatin dissolves. Whisk into cocoa mixture. Stir in agave and remove from heat. Pour into a square baking dish. Let stand at room temperature several hours until firm. With a sharp knife, cut evenly in 10 one way and 10 the other way. Place in a container, cover and refrigerate.
2. Party Pairing Inspired by ELF
World's Best Cup of Coffee
Not only is it the world's best, it's the world's healthiest — for your teeth, anyway.
Mix 8 ounces of coffee brewed with ½ cup low-fat milk. Milk contains vitamin D and calcium, which strengthen teeth and bones, preventing tooth loss. Top with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices add flavor, reducing or replacing sweetener in your drink.
Choco-Headed Ninny Muffins
Bonus points for chocolate — it's one of the best sweets for your teeth. The flax seeds and prunes are secretly stashed into these decadent delights.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons low-fat milk
1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoons flax seed
1/2 cup pureed prunes
1/2 cup flour (almond, all-purpose, or your choice)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons xylitol
2 tablespoons agave
1/4-cup dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a standard-sized muffin pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine first 5 ingredients and whisk. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except the decoration ingredient, and stir until just combined. Don't over-mix. Distribute batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Bake 12 minutes. Cool 5-10 minutes before removing from the muffin tins.
3. Party Pairing Inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Hearts 3 Sizes Too Small Melon Kebobs
The grins will be stealing Christmas this year! Melons are low in sugar and contain 90% water.
Ingredients
2-4 of your favorite melons (try watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew)
3 small heart cookie cutters (various sizes)
Wooden skewers
Use cookie cutters to cut melons. Place 3 different-sized heart melons onto skewers.
Use completed kabobs as a garnish to the Pome-Grinch (below).
Pome-GRINCH
Pomegranate juice is an effective means against dental plaque microorganisms, according to a new study in the Journal of Ancient Science of Life.
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups pomegranate juice
2 ¼ cups vodka
1 cup lime juice
¼ cup ginger
2 tablespoons agave
Mix ingredients well. Store in fridge for at least 3 hours before serving.
After your guests leave and before you clean up, remember to book it to the bathroom for a seasonal brush session. Share your favorite recipes below. Happy hosting!