Weekly Meal Plan: Planning Your Holiday Festivities with Easy Appetizers

There are plenty of reasons to love the holidays–the cool breeze, crunchy leaves, pumpkin pie–but the best part of the season is spending time with close friends and family. Instead of opting for the same old holiday meal in your typical, weekly meal plan, why not throw a little party instead? Here are some ideas for holiday appetizers that everyone will enjoy.

Hummus Dip

Dips are approachable, delicious, and perfect for the New Year’s Eve or holiday party. Hummus is extremely easy to make and chock-full of protein and fiber. All you have to do is blend up some garbanzo beans and add a touch of olive oil, salt, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. Experiment with your dip. Add sun dried tomatoes or make an herbed hummus with parsley, chives, cilantro and dill.  100% gluten free party dip!

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is another easy-to-prepare appetizer that can appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike. Buy a baguette at your local gluten free bakery, then broil slices (each dabbed with a touch of olive oil) until each side is golden. Rub the side that will be face-up with a head of garlic. Then, add your ingredients! Try spreading a thin layer of avocado on the top of your piece of gluten free bread, then add scallions and celery. You can also try a more traditional gluten free bruschetta, like diced cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Martini

Of course, if you’re entertaining, you’ll need a nice cocktail to kick off the night. After keeping it light with hummus and gluten free bruschetta, indulge your sweet-tooth with a pumpkin spice martini. There are pumpkin flavored liqueurs out there, which could help you achieve that true, pumpkin flavor, but there are alternatives if you can’t get your hands on this commodity. Combine a vanilla flavored vodka, pumpkin puree (if you can’t find pumpkin liqueur), Bailey’s Irish Cream (or vanilla vegan creamer if you have vegan guests). Add a touch of cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg for that extra kick.

This year, instead of overwhelming your palate with heavy honey-based hams and pecan pie, keep it light and simple with scrumptious appetizers, enjoyed with good company. Happy holidays!

Carolyn K