‘Tis the season for soirees! 74% of people think they have too many parties to attend during the holiday season, so make your party stand out!
The holidays are notorious for nostalgia — from finger foods to must-watch movies. By combining the 2 classics, you can keep the cinema rich and the food light (and delicious!). Make new memories with these movie-inspired munchies.
Perfect Pairing Inspired by A Christmas Story
Official Red Cider
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural tooth whitener. It also regulates blood sugar and helps with digestion.
Ingredients
2 cups cranberry juice
3 cups water
4 ounces vodka
6 tablespoons honey
6 tablespoons ACV
Fresh thyme to taste
In a medium saucepan, add the ACV, honey, and ½ cup of the water over heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and turn off heat. Add herbs and let sit for a few minutes. Drain. Add the rest of the water, cranberry juice, and vodka. Mix and serve over ice.
Only, I Didn’t Say Fudge
This mock-fudge recipe is so delicious, you’ll think it’s the real thing.
Ingredients
1 cup low-fat milk
¾ cup raw cocoa powder
5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
1 cup water
¼ cup agave
1 teaspoon brandy extract
In a small saucepan, combine milk and cocoa. Whisk over medium heat, stirring until thick. In another small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water and let soften for a few minutes. Stir over low heat until gelatin dissolves. Whisk into cocoa mixture. Stir in agave and remove from heat. Pour into a square baking dish. Let stand at room temperature several hours until firm. With a sharp knife, cut evenly in 10 one way and 10 the other way. Place in a container, cover, and refrigerate.
Party Pairing Inspired by ELF
World’s Best Cup of Coffee
Not only is it the world’s best coffee, it’s the world’s healthiest — for your teeth, anyway.
Mix 8 ounces of coffee brewed with ½ cup low-fat milk. Milk contains vitamin D and calcium, which strengthen teeth and bones and prevent tooth loss. Top with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices add flavor, thus reducing or replacing the need for sweetener in your drink.
Choco-Headed Ninny Muffins
Bonus points for chocolate — it’s one of the best sweets for your teeth. The flax seeds and prunes are secretly stashed into these decadent delights.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons low-fat milk
½ tablespoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoons flax seed
½ cup pureed prunes
½ cup flour (almond, all-purpose, or your choice)
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons xylitol
2 tablespoons agave
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a standard-sized muffin pan. In a mixing bowl, combine first 5 ingredients and whisk. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix. Distribute batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Bake 12 minutes. Cool 5-10 minutes before removing from the muffin tins.
Party Pairing Inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Hearts 3-sizes-too-small Melon Kabobs
The grins will be stealing Christmas this year! Melons are low in sugar and contain 90% water.
Ingredients
2-4 of your favorite melons (try watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew)
3 heart-shaped cookie cutters of various sizes
Wooden skewers
Use cookie cutters to cut melons. Place 3 different-sized heart melons onto skewers. Use completed kabobs as a garnish to the Pome-Grinch (below).
Pome-GRINCH
Pomegranate juice can prevent the microorganisms that form plaque, according to a new study in the Journal of Ancient Science of Life.
Ingredients
2-¼ cups pomegranate juice
2-¼ cups vodka
1 cup lime juice
¼ cup ginger
2 tablespoons agave
Mix ingredients well. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Happy hosting!
The post 3 Healthy Party Pairings: Smile-worthy Inspirations From Holiday Film Favorites appeared first on Delta Dental of Colorado Blog.