Category Archives: Snacks

Apricots with Basil, Goat Cheese, & Almonds

Posted in appetizer, entertaining, Snacks by

apricots-cheese-su-xIngredients

4 ounces fresh goat cheese such as Laura Chenel, at room temperature

About 2 tsp. milk

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

40 dried apricots

40 almonds, preferably Marcona 

2 teaspoons honey

Preparation

1. Mix together cheese, 2 tsp. milk, and basil with a wooden spoon until spreadable. Thin with more milk if necessary.

2. Spread a heaping 1/4 tsp. cheese on each apricot and top each with an almond. Drizzle with honey.

Psst!  You can make this healthy appetizer up to one day ahead.  Refrigerate and then bring to room temperature (30-60 minutes before serving). Drizzle with honey  just before serving.

Gruyere Cheese and Basil Sandwiches

Posted in comfort food, sandwich, Snacks, vegetarian by

grilled cheese

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Makes: 2 Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 Slices Sourdough Bread
  • 3-4  Ounces of Gruyere Cheese
  • 4-6 large Basil Leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter

Preparation:

Prepare ingredients:
Pick the basil leaves off the stems; discard the stems. Wash and dry the basil leaves. Thinly slice the cheese into large pieces.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Lay the bread slices on a clean, dry work surface. Divide the cheese slices and half of the basil between 2 of the bread slices;  Complete the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.  Spread 1/4 of the butter on each of the top slices of bread.

IMG_1330

Cook the sandwiches:

Heat a griddle or fry pan on medium until hot. Add the sandwiches (butter side down) and cook 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add the remaining butter on the unbuttered bread and carefully flip the sandwiches. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Transfer to a clean, dry work surface.
Plate your Dish:
Cut the cooked sandwiches in half and divide between 2 plates. Serve with Easy Tomato Soup on the side. Enjoy!

Fruity Pizza

Posted in dessert, low-carb, side dish, Snacks, sweet treat, vegan, vegetarian, weight loss ideas by

Fruity PizzaCan’t wait until summer to have this pizza!  Packed with vitamins and minerals, this Fruity Pizza is the bomb.

The Watermelon “crust” is full of nutritious benefits. It is a high lycopene food. Lycopene is especially important in cardiovascular health and an increasing number of scientists are finding that it is beneficial in bone health too.  It also has amino acids known to promote strong kidneys and other organs.

The Kiwi  topping is one of the healthiest foods.  It has the equivalnet vitamin C of an orange  and its available year round.  The California crop is from November thru May and then we get them from New Zealand.  Their crop hits the market June thru October.  Kiwis are a great source of dietary fiber and also provides great antioxident protection.

Blueberries are full of nutritious benefits as well.  Chock full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, potasium and magnesium, these colorful fruits make a great pizza topping that is good for you and your body.

Dried  shredded coconut not only adds fiber, it adds iron which helps with healthy circulation and tissue maintenance.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

watermelon (large slice) cut into eight pie slices
kiwi, peeled and sliced
strawberries, cut in fourths
nectarines, sliced
green grapes, cut in half
whole blueberries
shredded cocunut

Coco-Banana Bon Bons

Posted in dessert, Snacks, sweet treat by
I love chocolate covered bananas when I go to the local fair or Disneyland. Here's my version of this sweet and salty treat.

I love chocolate covered bananas when I go to the local fair or Disneyland. Here’s my version of this sweet and salty treat.

Coco-Banana Bon Bons

Ingredients:
12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup toasted and chopped almonds, walnuts, pistachios or pecans
2 bananas
Directions: Continue reading →

Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Pops

Posted in appetizer, Dani's Favorite, italian, low-carb, Snacks, vegetarian by

Tomato Basil and Mozzarella PopsTomato Basil Appetizer

1 dry pint (basket) of cherry tomatoes
1 carton of fresh mozzarella cheese (small balls or you can cut up larger ones)
10-20 fresh basil leaves (depending on size)
good quality extra virgin olive oil
good quality balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
toothpicks

 Directions Continue reading →