I cannot be the only one who feels like they take in more calories in the summer than any other season. I know most people think of winter as the saeason when we pack on pounds. Like we are just sitting on the couch eating fried potatoes and pasta to stay warm. But I have found that I eat more in the summer because there is more food around. Think about it, every weekend it’s someone’s birthday or there is a festival or cook out. All of those pack food like burgers, cake and of course beer. Then there are the farmer’s markets, where we stock up on fresh foods and homemade goods. And who wants to go to the gym or run outside when it’s 97 degrees out?
With all of that in mind, I have tried to find creative ways to make healthy swaps for summertime get together. Since it is 4th of July weekend, I thought I would give some recommendations on what to serve instead of your typical chips, nachos and fatty cream cheese stuffed whatever. Now as someone who does not eat red meat, I often get stuck plucking from the appetizer table at a cook-out, which is fine. I don’t expect anyone to tend to my needs. But if you are planning a cook out and want to serve your guests some healthier and better tasting items, I’ve got some ideas for you!
For starters, sweet potato fries are a must. It’s an easy way to up your health game by swapping these out for regular potato fries. Now, they are still fry’s guys, so they are bringing the calories no matter what. However, you can still cut calories by baking them, instead of frying. So keep your guests happy and healthy and serve some baked fries along with their grilling items. The good news is since 4th of July parties usually revolve around the grill, you have some oven space for baking. So unless you have some 4th of July cupcakes in the oven, try making these delicious baked sweet potato recipes instead!
Left : SimplyRecipes Right: Bowl of Delicious
On the left is a simple Baked Sweet Potato Fries recipe from SimplyRecipe.com it’s a really standard recipe you should keep handy if you want to make plain sweet potato fries. Then there is something a little more flavorful on the right with a Chili Garlic Sweet Potato Fries recipe served with Lemon Garlic Mayo. Beware, Elizabeth at Bowl of Delicious, says this recipe packs a garlic punch (yummmmmmm!) and you can smell it even when you make these suckers.
Also if you are not serving fruit at your summertime soiree or 4th of July cook-out, you are doing it wrong. This is peak fruit season you guys, it’s over flowing the grocery shelves and it’s cheap because there is plenty of it. So make sure and chop some seasonal fruit and serve to your party pals.
If you want to make a nice fruit display for your guests to pick at, Stella Culinary has a great post on how to chop your peel, chop and layout your fruit in a professional way. It’s actually pretty tough to skin a watermelon without losing a lot of the fruit inside and shape each piece the same to make a cohesive spread. Seriously, check out this Stella Culinary page, it has video tutorials and a step by step guide to making your fruit tray look as tasty as the one below.
A colorful and fresh vegetable tray is the stuff vegetarian dreams are made of, especially at a cook out. I made a tray similar to this last year for a cook out and by the time we left the tray was completely gone! I chopped fresh vegetables to make a colorful crudité and served it with edamame pate, beet hummus and garlic and kale Greek yogurt dip. You would be surprised how many people would opt for a healthy snack among a table of chips, dips and cheese.
TasteSpotting has a great tutorial on how to lay out an amazing crudité and charcuterie platter for your next party. The site also leads you to some delicious dip recipes so you can make your own edamame hummus and colorful beet hummus.
So you have your basics down, now it’s time for tasty fillers to keep your guest’s plates full at all times. If you want some for your guests to spread on crackers or their burgers, try this Edmame Pate. It’s a thicker consistency for spreading on just about anything and it is made with artichokes and edamame. I like to serve it in a hollowed out tomato or avocado.
Since fresh corn is also in season, you can make a simple corn succotash to serve as a side item. Swap out your mayonnaise heavy potato salad for this Edamame Corn and Asparagus Succotash and you’ll still be satisfied.
If you want to serve a bountiful chopped salad, by all means go for it. But there is nothing more boring in the salad world then a bagged salad mix tossed with some croutons and ranch dressing. Don’t do that, I beg of you. Instead add some protein and heat and make this Mia Farro & Summer Salad. Its tasty cooked farro dish served alongside leafy greens and roasted zucchini, squash and tomatoes. It’s not complicated and it can sit on the counter or food table alongside the rest of the appetizers once it’s all put together.
Happy 4th of July Weekend Everyone! Don’t forget to srve up some drinks at your party, get some inspiration from our 4th of July Festive Cocktails post.
Stay Healthy and Stay Safe!
By Bianca