The holidays are getting closer, New Years and Super Bowl follow right behind, and with these busy times come parties and entertaining galore! Sabra, maker of Mediterranean dips and spreads, teamed with friend Heidi Skolnik, sports nutrition consultant to the New York Giants and the School of American Ballet, to offer 10 tips for keeping hectic holiday entertaining happy and healthy for all!
1. Have 'table ready' foods on hand
Don't worry about surprise guests! Stock your home with snacks and munchies that look great straight from the fridge or pantry to the table. Dips and spreads can be dressed up with vegetables or crackers. Having an assortment assures that there will be something for everyone.
2. Think theme!
With just a little creative planning, you can have fun with themes. Mexican finger foods are fun and filling. Get exotic with Asian inspiration including steamed dumplings, edamame or sushi. Easy entertaining comes naturally in the Mediterranean and your guests will enjoy the variety of pita slices, babaganoush, hummus and olives.
3. Think presentation
Presentation can make the simplest food items look amazing. Give flair to cheese and crackers by slicing an apple in a fan around them. Add grapes or berries to any platter to liven the appearance. Use a colorful napkin on a dish or in a basket before putting bread in inside. Take a ready-to-present dip, like Sabra's hummus, and use as the center of your display. Build around it using brightly colored tortilla chips, vegetables or pretzels.
4. Healthful and flavorful
Keep your guests happy and healthy, offering foods made with fresh ingredients. Check your local supermarket for ready-made healthy foods like dips, salads, spreads and vegetable chips. Make combinations of healthy vegetables and fruits with dips including cucumbers with salsa, carrots with hummus, or jicama with guacamole
5. Pack 'em with protein
Keep in mind that foods that are high in sugar won't keep guests satisfied for long. Try to offer snacks and appetizers with protein such as meat, cheese and beans. Mozzarella slices with tomato and basil or chic peas with garlic are quick solutions, or try chicken satay, smoked salmon on black bread squares with capers and Swedish meatballs.
6. Don't forget about the kids
P?té and caviar might not excite the average kid, and the adults will have a much better time if they don't have to scrounge for kid-friendly foods. An assortment of cold cuts, crispy baked chicken nuggets, turkey roll ups, or simple veggies with chips and dip are fun and healthy. Mac-n-cheese in cupcake cups or fruit and yogurt parfaits decorated with little umbrellas or Disney characters on toothpicks are tasty and decorative. Don't forget to ask parents about allergies!
7. Keep your guest from looking for the oasis!
Too often people put out sugary or caffeinated drinks, but sometimes forget the basics. Iced water, fresh lemonade or caffeine-free iced tea are sure to please. Sanfaustino, mint water, or a tasty, non-alcoholic "mocktail" can be festive and satisfying. Sparkling juices from Kedem are delicious, contain no added sugar, and are made from select wine grapes.
8. Mix hot and cold
To make the selection more unique, mix hot and cold items, such as roasted vegetables and cold lentil salad, or mini quiche and deviled eggs.
9. Don't forget to offer vegetarian and meatless options
They are easy to include, generally liked by all and keep even those with dietary restrictions from feeling restricted.
10. As the entertainer, make sure you stay hydrated and nourished during the day
You will look and feel your best if you take the time to stay hydrated and energized while planning. Test and taste as you make your platters and drink plenty of water. Making sure you enjoy the fruits of your labor will make you a hostess with the mostess!
Please visit http://www.sabra.com for more recipe ideas and available flavors of their delicious dips and spreads.