FOOD/ PARTY SPECIAL ........EASY NEW YEAR PARTY APPETISERS

EASY NEW YEAR PARTY APPETISERS 
 

    The biggest party food highlight is in the way of its appetisers. In fact, to most people who are either party-hopping and can’t have dinner at one place or those who are dieting and would rather munch on a few appetisers than have a heavy meal, these bites are a welcome element. Unfortunately, most party platters do not make for the healthiest ideas. But with a few right ingredients you can make them low-cal. Here’s why they are a menu must-have... 

TAKES PRESSURE OFF THE DINNER
If you have the right appetisers in place and guests have loved them, don’t fret so much about them giving you fullmarks for dinner. So what food works best for it? Says foodie Nima Thadani, “Too many fancy and elaborate appetisers can actually kill a party. Keep platters of simple, toasted bruschetta, little kebabs, crostini with sauteed mushroom, olives on a toothpick or even even strawberries on chocolate.”
BITE-SIZED MINIS
Food has shrunk and how! Little foods, which are mini versions of the normal ones, are a huge new trend and entrees and desserts are fitting right into it. Say hello to mini cupcakes and tartlets, micro burgers, little pizzas (pizzettes), mini burgers and cake pops, which are the new ‘little dessert’.
WRAP IT UP
Another s i m p l e way to serve appetisers is through hot and cold wraps. From vegetables to meats, and cheese, there’s a lot you can do. Hot ones can be made with sautted garlic, pickled onions, meats and fish. Make these just prior to serving.Cold wraps could be made the night before the party. Go for cream cheese, smoked chicken with pine nuts or shredded carrot and beetroot wrapped in lettuce or Vietnamese cold rolls. Serve them chilled.
APPETISERS ACROSS THE WORLD
Italians have antipasto, in Spain and Portugal tapas are popular, Greeks enjoy mezze and Russians love their zakuski.
JUST A FEW ARE ENOUGH
Small bites and finger foods are apt for those watching their weight. Says food technologist, Nirupama Raghavan, “Appetisers are easy finger foods and help one manage hunger pangs in parties.So rather than making your guests feel guilty gulping these interesting stuffs, try healthy options by completely avoiding any frying.”
She presents some options:-Make the bases with crackers, water thins, papads and rusks.
    Use fruits, sprouts and blanched vegetables as fillers.
    Generously use herbs, sesame and spices for taste.
    Steamed dumplings make for one of the best appetiser choices as they are healthy. Skip the heavy dressing and have them as they are.
    Use hung curd, honey and cold pressed oils for moistening your appetisers rather than mayonaise or other sauces.
CALORIE COUNT
Two tomato bruschettas weighing approximately 35g each will account for approx. 120 calories.
Two mini coin pizzas weighing 25g each will account for approx. 140 calories.
10 medium cucumber sticks with a low fat dip will not account for anything more than 20 to 30 calories.
KIDS WILL LOVE THIS!
Make ‘ladybird’ appetisers. Cut tomatoes in half, place them on lettuce and a biscuit. Use mustard for the eyes and spots.

Ismat Tahseen TOI131226