Happy, Healthy Hosting

Whole Grain Panzanella Bread Salad
Whole Grain Caprese Sandwich Bites
Italian-Style Turkey Meatball Skewers
Raspberry Hazelnut Truffle Toast Bites

Healthy eating and great entertaining can go hand in hand when you have a few delicious tricks up your sleeve.

Appetizers, tapas, hors d'oeuvres - whatever you want to call them, small bites are a great way to help control portions while putting big flavor on the plate. Here are some ideas for a small bites menu that will leave guests so satisfied they might not even realize just how good they're really eating.

• Raid the farmers market. Fresh produce looks, smells and tastes fantastic. Set out a colorful veggie tray, some berry skewers with a Greek yogurt and honey dip, and a bright caprese salad. You can even make a beautiful centerpiece with fragrant citrus in a pretty bowl.
   
• Make your own dips. When you make it yourself, you can control what goes in it. Try making a black bean salsa, fresh guacamole, savory hummus, or your own olive tapenade. You can adjust recipes for a lower fat content or lower sodium and still make sure they taste great.
   
• Embrace whole grains. From bruschetta breads and grain-based salads to crunchy dippers and ingredients in heartier recipes, whole grains add great taste and good nutrition. These party-friendly recipes use the natural whole grain goodness of Roman Meal bread to put a delicious spin on some traditional favorites, while also adding good-for-you complex carbohydrates and fiber.

For more delicious recipes for entertaining and healthy living, visit www.romanmeal.com.

Whole Grain Panzanella Bread Salad

Ingredients

• 4 slices Roman Meal bread
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 cups cucumbers, seeded and diced
• 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

 

Preparation

1. Preheat broiler to 400°F. Foil-line one baking sheet.
2. Brush bread lightly on both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil; place on baking sheet. Broil about 2 minutes, turning once, until golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven. Sprinkle cheese on one side of toasted bread; return to oven for about 20 seconds until cheese is melted and bubbly; cool completely. Cut bread into 1-inch pieces.
3. Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, onion, vinegar, basil and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large serving bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Top with bread pieces just prior to serving.

 

Serves
Servings 8

 

Calories:	104g		Total Fat:	6g
Cholesterol:	0mg		Protein:	2g
Carbohydrates:	11g		Sodium:	84mg

Preparation Time:
15 Minutes

Cook Time:
3 Minutes

Whole Grain Caprese Sandwich Bites

Ingredients

• 8 slices Roman Meal bread, toasted or grilled
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 8 Roma tomatoes, cut into 4 slices each
• 32 fresh basil leaves
• 8 8-inch bamboo skewers

 

Preparation

1. Trim crusts and cut each piece of toast into quarters for a total of 32 pieces. Spread pesto onto each toast quarter.
2. Assemble on each skewer: toast quarter, 2 basil leaves, 1 tomato slice, 1 cheese slice and toast quarter. Repeat for a total of 2 sandwich bites per skewer.

 

Serves
Servings 4

 

Calories:	325g		Total Fat:	14.70g
Cholesterol:	39mg		Protein:	19g
Carbohydrates:	30g		Sodium:	664mg

Preparation Time:
10 Minutes

Italian-Style Turkey Meatball Skewers

Ingredients

• 6 slices Roman Meal bread, toasted
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 2 egg whites
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 36 4-inch bamboo skewers
• 36 fresh basil leaves
• 18 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 cups marinara sauce

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Foil-line one baking sheet.
2. Break bread slices into pieces; place in blender or food processor. Process until finely ground into crumbs. Remove 3/4 cup, reserve remaining bread crumbs.
3. Combine turkey, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, egg whites, onion, chopped basil, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, pepper and salt in medium bowl. Divide turkey mixture into 36 1-inch balls; roll in remaining bread crumbs. Place on baking sheet.
4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from oven.
5. Assemble meatballs, basil leaves and tomatoes on skewers. Serve with marinara sauce.

 

Serves
Servings 12

 

Calories:	120g		Total Fat:	3g
Cholesterol:	15mg		Protein:	12g
Carbohydrates:	12g		Sodium:	380mg

Preparation Time:
15 Minutes

Cook Time:
25 Minutes

Raspberry Hazelnut Truffle Toast Bites

Ingredients

• 4 slices Roman Meal bread, toasted
• 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
• 36 fresh raspberries

 

Preparation

1. Trim crusts and cut each slice of toast into 3 even pieces for a total of 12 pieces. Spread 1 teaspoon chocolate hazelnut spread on each piece. Top with 3 raspberries.

 

Serves
Servings 12

 

Calories:	53g		Total Fat:	1.90g
Cholesterol:	0mg		Protein:	0.90g
Carbohydrates:	8.40g		Sodium:	47mg

Preparation Time:
10 Minutes

SOURCE:
Roman Meal