Menu

appetizer

creamy fresh kale dip

by Jackie Newgent  |  May 8, 2014  |  0 Comments
Makes 16 servings: 1/4 cup each It’s the season for cookouts, picnics, and impromptu parties. You’ll need to have a good dip recipe on hand. So here you go … a natural take on classic spinach dip. No packaged mix required. My version is loaded with fresh vegetable goodness. Fresh baby kale replaces frozen spinach for a trendy twist. Though, if you can’t find baby kale, use fresh baby spinach. I enjoy dunking whole grain rye bread pieces into this dip. Tear from a rustic loaf or use perfectly cut petite slices. Or for veggie fanatics, pair it with broccoli, carrots, jicama, or bell pepper pieces. Calories saved: 160 Why it’s better for you: Kale is one of the healthiest...
Read More

spicy buffalo cauliflower wings

by Jackie Newgent  |  February 1, 2014  |  0 Comments
(Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 6 servings: 5 wings each I don’t think I’ve ever been to a Super Bowl gathering where chicken wings were not part of the feast. Though I skip them since I prefer to spend my calories elsewhere. Now here’s a way for us all to partake in their party popping goodness in a veggie friendly way. These  wings are made with cauliflower. They’re boneless too, of course. I heard about some folks doing this, but I needed to try it out for myself in my own culinary style.  They won’t taste like chicken (since there’s no chicken in them), but they are every bit a spicy hot bite. Definitely worth a try! Calories...
Read More

romaine wedge salad with avocado-blue cheese dressing & smoked almonds

by Jackie Newgent  |  July 9, 2013  |  0 Comments
©Photographed by Lea Loveland. (Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 4 servings: 1 wedge each Sometimes all I feel like eating during summertime is salad–especially during those dreaded heatwaves. How about you? So my terrific intern, Lea Loveland, came to the rescue. We teamed up to create this really refreshing appetizer salad. We took an iceberg wedge salad recipe and gave it a thoroughly modern, plant-centered, eye-catching update. One of my favorite parts is using hickory smoked almonds instead of bacon. Much friendlier for the arteries! Lea says, “Don’t be fooled by this lighter dressing because it’s full o’ flavor.” Please let us know what you think. Our take … it’s super tasty! Calories Saved: 290
Read More

mexican-inspired seven layer dip

by Jackie Newgent  |  January 27, 2013  |  0 Comments
(Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 16 servings Super Bowl party, anyone? Or maybe an Oscar soiree? Whether you’re hosting a gathering or going to one, here’s an app that’ll disappear before the end of the evening. It’s basically a Mexican layer dip with a few new twists. Frankly, I make dip for casual get-togethers more often than anything else because they’re always crowd pleasers. This is my newest translation. The grapes on top … love! And the quark in it will surely raise some eyebrows. (Quark is simply a fresh European-style cheese that’s like a super creamy cottage cheese.) Let me know if your dip gets demolished! Calories Saved: 40
Read More

lemon-dill cannellini dip

by Jackie Newgent  |  November 21, 2012  |  0 Comments
(Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 5 servings: 1/4 cup each I’m an appetizer kind of gal. That means sometimes I prefer a plate of tasty bites rather than the actual meal. So here’s a lovely dip that I just whipped up for any appetizer table. So why do dip? Dunking into them can actually be a delicious way to boost veggie intake. On the other hand, some dips are so excessively high in calories that they’re not worth the couple minutes of indulgence. However, when you can turn a dip into a still indulgent one with nothing but “good” ingredients … go for it. That’s what this creamy (now beany) concoction is all about. It’s worthy of scooping...
Read More