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  3. New Year's Snacks

New Year's Snacks

November 30, 2016
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Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Pass the final hours of the year munching on these lighter, healthier snacks. New Year's parties are a great time to enjoy your favorite holiday finger foods, cocktails, and sweets. Just don't overdo it. Pace yourself both with food and drinks. Our collection of lighter snacks makes it possible to stretch your celebratory well into the evening.
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Tricolored Beet Tart

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Tricolored Beet Tart

Start your holiday meal with a simple yet gorgeous beet tart, topped off with tangy goat cheese, crunchy hazelnuts, and flaky sea salt. Par-bake the crust to get a lovely raised edge (what forms the shell of your tart) and ensure that the bottom will be cooked through. If you or your guests are not beet fans, substitute sweet potatoes: Wrap 4 (4-ounce) sweet potatoes in parchment paper, and microwave at HIGH 3 minutes. Then cool, peel, and slice. You can also sub feta for goat cheese and pecans or walnuts for hazelnuts.

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Smoked Salmon Bites

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Smoked Salmon Bites

If you're looking for an appetizer that will delight your guests with its gorgeous presentation and rich, delicious taste, the search stops here. These beautiful canapés start with a base of candy cane (or Chioggia) beet squares, whose alternating ruby and white rings are stunning. (You can add more color to the platter by alternating candy cane beet and golden beet slices.) The beet stays raw, so the slices are crunchy and sweet and hold up nicely. The jewel-like topping of easy-to-find salmon caviar turns what's truly a simple make-ahead nibble into an absolute work of art that'll make you the talk of your social circle.

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Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Glazed Cocktail Meatballs

These mini meatballs are perfect for holiday parties and tailgating. We made them healthier by forgoing sodium-heavy ingredients like the usual ketchup and chili sauce and including whole-grain bulgur in place of breadcrumbs. You can also serve a larger portion of these meatballs for weeknight dinner. To up the kid-friendly factor, omit the ground red pepper in the glaze and serve with mashed potatoes (à la Swedish meatballs). For a tangier glaze, substitute cranberry sauce for the grape jelly.

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Dressing-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Dressing-Stuffed Mini Peppers

We love these stuffed peppers as an appetizer, but you can also serve them as a side dish. Be sure to use baby bell peppers and not mini sweet peppers (shaped like jalapeños) so they're big enough to accommodate the filling. As an alternative to broiling, you can char the peppers directly over a gas flame, turning frequently with tongs.

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Mini Cheese Balls

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Mini Cheese Balls

Save 108 calories, 7g sat fat, and 69mg sodium per serving over a traditional cheese ball. Almond milk cream cheese is delicately nutty, with a buttery-rich texture and zero grams of sat fat. Find it at Whole Foods stores nationwide. You can substitute 1⁄3-less-fat cream cheese, which adds 1.6g sat fat to each serving.

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Golden Beet Nachos

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower
View Recipe: Golden Beet Nachos

With their awesome crunch and yellow color, thinly sliced golden beets make a great stand-in for tortilla chips. A mandoline works beautifully for slicing; try to cut the beets between 1/8- and 1/16-inch thick. If you use a knife instead, aim to get the thinnest slices possible.

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Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas

Dry your chickpeas as thoroughly as possible before cooking to ensure a satisfyingly crisp result. If you're planning to pack these flavor-coated, fiber-filled poppers as a to-go-snack, be sure to allow them to cool completely on a flat surface first.

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Gingery Shrimp Salad Bites

Credit: Photo: Christopher Testani
View Recipe: Gingery Shrimp Salad Bites

Pick up inexpensive Chinese soup spoons at Asian markets, or serve on rice crackers or in hollowed-out pieces of cucumber. The chives, an optional sixth ingredient, perk up the look but aren’t crucial to the flavor.

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Mini Crab Cakes With Pickled Celery

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes With Pickled Celery

Save 104 calories, 12.6g fat, and 156mg sodium over traditional mini crab cakes. You can bake these cakes up to 2 hours ahead of party time and rewarm in a 300° oven for 5 to 6 minutes.

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Candied Hazelnuts

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Candied Hazelnuts

The easiest way to candy nuts is to toss them with an egg white-sugar mixture, then gently bake them until the sugar melts and the egg whites dry out, forming a crispy candy shell around each nut. The whites serve as an adhesive so the sugar and any flavorings can cling to the nuts. There are other, trickier methods, but this one gives you sure fire results. You can play with spices and sweeteners; try maple sugar or granulated honey. The choice of nut is up to you. A crunchy sugar coating goes hand in hand with any nut, but pecans and walnuts really rise to the occasion: Their craggy surfaces are perfect for catching the egg mixture. Candied nuts are pretty durable, so make a big batch, and store them in a cool, dry place for up to one week. 

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Hasseltots with Crème Fraîche and Caviar

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: Hasseltots with Crème Fraîche and Caviar

This two-bite, no-fork-required appetizer is perfect for parties where guests will be juggling drinks and nibbles. Choose a sustainable, budget-friendly roe. Depending on what kind you choose, it can be affordable or break the bank. Make note of the origin to be sure you aren't buying caviar or roe from endangered fishing areas or species. We suggest Classic American White Sturgeon Caviar ($85/oz.), Paddlefish Caviar ($44/oz.), Salmon Roe ($8/oz.), and Masago ($5/oz.). Store opened caviar on ice, and use within one to two days. In a pinch, sour cream can stand in for the crème fraîche. 

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Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

We love creating innovative hummus recipes, and Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts is no exception. This beautiful, crimson-colored dip is made with chickpeas, tahini, beets and garlic. 

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Pear, Brie, and Balsamic Bruschetta

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Pear, Brie, and Balsamic Bruschetta

This bruschetta is both sweet, with pear slices and honey, and savory because of the Brie cheese and balsamic drizzle. Perfect for entertaining, these adorable bruschetta bites are a light way to kick off a dinner, plus they come together quickly and easily.

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Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips

This warm, tangy twist on fundido is perfect with sparkling wine; the bubbles help cut through the richness. We pair with veggie chips, but you can also serve with crudités for a fresher take. The dip is very easy to put together. One note on mixing: Blend the beans until they are completely smooth and puréed for the silkiest, creamiest results. You can’t overblend it, but if you stop too soon, the dip might have a few lumps. The great thing about this dip is that it can be made ahead and rewarmed when you’re ready to serve it. To reheat, stir gently over low heat until hot. For an herby version, add a generous 1⁄4 cup of a mix of chopped herbs, such as parsley, chives, and a little basil.

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Spicy Soy Bar Nuts

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Spicy Soy Bar Nuts

To achieve maximum nuttiness, you have to toast nuts. This coaxes out flavorful, aromatic oils for a deep, rich taste and pulls out some of the nut's moisture for satisfying crunch with each bite. Our go-to-method for toasting nuts is a slow oven roast at a relatively low temperature (300°F) in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, stirring occasionally until lightly browned and crisp. That allows hot air to circulate around each nut to gently cook it. Don't blast them in a hot 400°F oven for a few minutes until they've darkened—not a good thing for a nut—because that high heat can bring out bitter flavors. Only using a handful? You can also roast nuts in a pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat or on a plate in the microwave for a minute or so at HIGH.

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Sesame-Soy Nut and Pretzel Mix

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sesame-Soy Nut and Pretzel Mix

If any one dish is devoured quickly and constantly (usually by the fistful) throughout the holiday, it’s snack mix. Consisting of salty nuts, pretzels, and cereal doused with a Worcestershire and butter, this innocent munchie racks up sodium and calories quickly. Our healthier version gives you all the salt, crunch, and bold spices of the original with the addition of whole-grain popcorn, toasty whole-wheat cereal, and spicy wasabi peas. The peas inspired an Asian track with toasty sesame oil and reduced-sodium soy sauce, cashews, and pungent ground ginger.

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Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic

Credit: Photo: Christopher Testani
View Recipe: Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic

After just one bite, it's easy to get hooked on this flavorful, 5-ingredient, hummus topper. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with toasty baked pita chips, if desired. Simple, yet impressive, soon you'll be topping mashed potatoes and steaks with this versatile mushroom side too.

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Broiled Shrimp with Buttermilk Rémoulade

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Broiled Shrimp with Buttermilk Rémoulade

Quick broiled shrimp paired with spicy remoulade dipping sauce is sure to rally a crowd at the appetizer table. This holiday staple is naturally low in sugar and rich in lean protein.

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Lobster and Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Bites

Credit: Photo: Teresa Sabga
View Recipe: Lobster and Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Bites

Put down the wings and elevate your happy hour appetizers with these flavorful bite-sized poppers. The cream cheese balances the spice of the jalapeños with the richness of the lobster and bacon. 

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Bacon and Ricotta-Stuffed Mushrooms

Credit: Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Bacon and Ricotta-Stuffed Mushrooms

These crowd-pleasing stuffed ‘shrooms pack two cheeses, crumbled bacon, and fresh thyme. You can fill the mushroom caps in advance, but don’t sprinkle the panko mixture over top until ready to bake.

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Chestnut Hummus

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chestnut Hummus

This homemade hummus is a great appetizer for holiday parties and casual dinner get-togethers alike. Healthy dippers include baby carrots, bell peppers, pita chips, radishes, jicama, and sugar snap peas.

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Pesto Pastries

Credit: Photo: Christopher Testani
View Recipe: Pesto Pastries

Unlike classic pesto, there's no oil in this filling. Once everything is minced in the food processor, though, it develops a paste-like consistency. Thaw the pastry in the fridge overnight, or leave out at room temperature for an hour or two.

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Spinach-Artichoke Bites

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Spinach-Artichoke Bites

Save 167 calories, 3.6g sat fat, and 393mg sodium per serving over traditional spinach-artichoke dip. Frozen artichoke hearts contain no added salt, unlike the canned variety, which may contain more than 300mg per half cup.

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Chicken Phyllo Turnovers

Credit: Photo: Christopher Testani
View Recipe: Chicken Phyllo Turnovers

This appetizer is based on bisteeya, a traditional Moroccan pastry that pairs savory, spiced meat and flaky phyllo with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar. Make ahead: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month; bake frozen, unthawed pastries 5 additional minutes or until browned.

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Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

Credit: Photo: Jonny Valiant
View Recipe: Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

This retro-chic snack can be served with raw veggies, crackers, or toasted whole grain bread. Medjool dates add natural sweetness and chewy texture, while blue cheese creates the ideal salty, tangy contrast. Bonus: you can prepare it up to two days in advance.

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Mac and Cheese Bites

Credit: Photo: Teresa Sabga
View Recipe: Mac and Cheese Bites

Feed a hungry crowd these all-star, feel-good favorites at your next party. Nothing is as comforting as melty, creamy, cheesy, comforting macaroni and cheese. Be still our hearts.

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Blue Cheese-Bacon-Spinach Dip

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Blue Cheese-Bacon-Spinach Dip

The bold flavor of blue cheese and saltiness of the bacon give a creative punch to your average spinach dip. Serve with celery sticks for an added crunch.

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    View All

    1 of 27 Tricolored Beet Tart
    2 of 27 Smoked Salmon Bites
    3 of 27 Glazed Cocktail Meatballs
    4 of 27 Dressing-Stuffed Mini Peppers
    5 of 27 Mini Cheese Balls
    6 of 27 Golden Beet Nachos
    7 of 27 Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas
    8 of 27 Gingery Shrimp Salad Bites
    9 of 27 Mini Crab Cakes With Pickled Celery
    10 of 27 Candied Hazelnuts
    11 of 27 Hasseltots with Crème Fraîche and Caviar
    12 of 27 Beet Hummus with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
    13 of 27 Pear, Brie, and Balsamic Bruschetta
    14 of 27 Goat Cheese Queso Dip with Vegetable Chips
    15 of 27 Spicy Soy Bar Nuts
    16 of 27 Sesame-Soy Nut and Pretzel Mix
    17 of 27 Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic
    18 of 27 Broiled Shrimp with Buttermilk Rémoulade
    19 of 27 Lobster and Bacon Stuffed Jalapeño Bites
    20 of 27 Bacon and Ricotta-Stuffed Mushrooms
    21 of 27 Chestnut Hummus
    22 of 27 Pesto Pastries
    23 of 27 Spinach-Artichoke Bites
    24 of 27 Chicken Phyllo Turnovers
    25 of 27 Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball
    26 of 27 Mac and Cheese Bites
    27 of 27 Blue Cheese-Bacon-Spinach Dip

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