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Diabetic Recipes - Appetizers and Snacks
Source: Diabetic Cooking, July/August 2006
Hors D'Oeuvres With A Difference
For most of us, party foods spell fun, festivity - and an overdose of fat, calories, and high-GI carbs. Crackers, chips, snack mixes, and other party staples top the list of high-GI foods, while creamy dips and high-fat finger foods can make special occasions a real obstacle for anyone who's tring to watch fat and calories. Fortunately, adopting a healthy low-GI lifestyle does not mean giving up party foods. Ingredients like low-fat cheeses, ultralean lunchmeats, low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise, and wholesome whole-grain breads can substantially lighten up your celebrations and get-togethers.
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Veggie-Cream Cheese Spread
Ingredients:
8 oz block nonfat or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1 tsp crushed garlic 3 tbsp finely chopped scallions 3 tbsp finely chopped green bell pepper 3 tbsp grated carrots
Directions:
Combine the cream cheese and garlic in a medium-sized bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Transfer the dip to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with whole-grain crackers and fresh-cut vegetables or use as a filling for finger sandwiches.
Makes 1 1/4 Cups.
GI Rating: Very Low
Nutrients Per 1 Tablespoon Serving: 12 Calories 0 g Fat 0.8 g Carbohydrate 1.8 g Protein 1 mg Cholesterol 55 mg Sodium 35 mg Calcium 0.1 g Fiber
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Tasty Tuna Spread
Ingredients:
8 oz block nonfat or reduced-fat cream cheese 1/4 c nonfat or light sour cream or mayonnaise 6 oz can albacore tuna, drained 1/4 c finely chopped scallions 1/4 c finely chopped celery 1/4 c finely chopped black olives
Directions:
Place the cream cheese and the sour cream or mayonnaise in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with whole-grain crackers. Or use as a filling for celery sticks, hollowed-out cherry tomatoes, or finger sandwiches.
Makes 2 Cups.
GI Rating: Very Low
Nutrients Per 1 Tablespoon Serving: 15 Calories 0.2 g Fat 1 g Carbohydrate 2.2 g Protein 2 mg Cholesterol 58 mg Sodium 23 mg Calcium 0.1 g Fiber
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Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Ingredients:
3/4 c nonfat or light mayonnaise 1/2 c chopped drained roasted red peppers (about 3.5 oz) 1 tsp crushed garlic 1/4 tsp dried oregano 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender or mini food processor and process until smooth. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with an assortment of fresh-cut vegetables and rolled-up slices of roasted turkey breast and lean roast beef.
Makes 1 Cup.
GI Rating: Low
Nutrients Per 1 Tablespoon Serving: 9 Calories 0 g Fat 1.8 g Carbohydrate 0.1 g Protein 0 mg Cholesterol 101 mg Sodium 1 mg Calcium 0 g Fiber
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Creamy Herb Dip
Ingredients:
3/4 c nonfat or light mayonnaise 1/2 c nonfat or light sour cream 1 tsp crushed garlic 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives or 1 tsp dried chives 3/4 tsp finely chopped fresh dill or 1/4 tsp dried dill 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to mix well. Transfer the mixture to a covered container and refrigerate for several hours before serving. Serve with an assortment of fresh-cut vegetables and rolled-up slices of roasted turkey breast and lean roast beef.
Makes 1 1/4 Cups.
GI Rating: Low
Nutrients Per 1 Tablespoon Serving: 12 Calories 0 g Fat 2 g Carbohydrate 0.4 g Protein 0 mg Cholesterol 67 mg Sodium 8 mg Calcium 0 g Fiber
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