If you are ringing in the new year with friends and family a home, I have delicious plant-based options that you can make and serve to end the year on a healthy and festive note. First, kick off the night with plenty of delicious finger food apps.
You can’t go wrong with a taquito party platter and these original and southwest taquitos are entirely plant-based with 6 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Planet Based Foods products are better-for-you, and better for the planet. They are the first company to produce delicious plant-based meat with sustainable, nutrient-rich hemp as its number-one ingredient which is a complete protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of dietary fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and iron. Their products including their hemp-based crumble, sausage and burgers, feature simple, clean ingredients – and are non-GMO, soy-free and gluten-free. You can Planet Based Foods products locally in the freezer aisle at Kroger.
Another crowd-pleasing finger food with a nutritious twist is loaded cauliflower nachos. Cauliflower is a mild-tasting veggie that takes on the flavors you cook it with. For the base simply roast cauliflower florets with oil and taco seasoning for 20 min at 400 F. Then top with refried beans and cheese and broil until melted before adding your desired toppings such as tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, guacamole and jalapeño.
Of course chips can still be a part of your healthier new year’s eve spread. Instead of higher fat dips like ranch or queso, try this colorful nutrient dense option. This Cowboy Caviar made with black beans, black-eyed peas, diced vegetables, and a vinaigrette-style dressing is best enjoyed as a dip for tortilla chips but can also be served as a side salad or topping for lean proteins. To make, simply combine black beans and back eyed peas with corn, diced tomato, bell pepper, red onion and cilantro with your vinaigrette dressing. You can find both my loaded cauliflower nachos and cowboy caviar recipes in my new book mostly plant-based available on Amazon at barnes and noble and wherever books are sold.
Finally, for a sweet snack, serve 5-ingredient pecan pie bars. Pecans are one of the lowest carb snack nuts and highest in antioxidants, even more than blueberries some studies suggest. Start by making the base with pecan flour, tapioca flour, maple syrup and coconut oil. Bake then top with pecans tossed with maple syrup and coconut oil before baking again until set.
