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Go Beyond Tapenade, and Dip Into Green Olives

Lauren Hendrickson — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:53:42 PDT

Tapenade is a staple in my house, since it does double duty served with a cheese plate or used as a spread on your favorite panini. I must admit, however, I always end up making it with black olives, so I was thrilled when I found a recipe specifically for a tasty green olive spread. Because the olive's flavor takes center stage in this milk-based dip, I recommend using your favorite green olives; I chose castelvetranos since they impart an amazingly buttery flavor and bright green color, and they aren't incredibly briny.

The result was a salty and creamy dip that was perfect served on crunchy crostini, and would also be ideal in pasta or even as a dressing for salad. Move over, olive tapenade; it's all about going green! Keep reading for this simple recipe.

Warm Up White Bean Dip With Roasted Bell Peppers

Lauren Hendrickson — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:15:44 PST

Over the holidays, I made a tasty white bean dip, but while I ate it, I thought of a ton of ways to jazz it up. So last weekend, I finally tested out my twist on the classic dip. First, I skipped the cream cheese and opted for a more tangy cheese - goat cheese. To give the dip more texture, I then added chopped roasted bell peppers and scallions. Finally, to further enhance the flavor, I warmed it up and browned the top just before serving. The resulting dip was divine with both crudités and crackers. Ready to try this dip? Get the recipe.

Savory Sight: Sour Cream Chicken Enchinachos

Yum Community — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:50:03 PST

Having a hard time choosing between enchiladas and nachos for dinner? Take a look at the delicious compromise shared by thehungrytexan in Savory Sights:

Getting creative with leftovers this week and making Sour Cream Chicken Enchinachos - all the flavors of the full-size enchilada in a finger food!

Do you have a creative and delicious dish you'd like you show us? Then upload your pictures in the Savory Sights group! You might even be featured here on YumSugar.

Killer App: Bacon-Wrapped Persimmons

Lauren Hendrickson — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:15:32 PST

If you enjoy bacon-wrapped dates, you're bound to love persimmons wrapped in bacon! This killer appetizer is fast to make and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser at upcoming holiday gatherings. These bites only require three ingredients: persimmons, bacon, and a touch of vinegar. Persimmons have a delicate flavor that can sometimes be overpowered by too much bacon, so I recommend only using a small slice of bacon. Get to blanketing your persimmons in bacon by reading more.

A Reader Recipe: Bruschetta With Tomato and Broccolini

Fit Community — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:00:00 PDT

Check out this recipe for bruschetta with tomato and broccolini that FitSugar reader Crystalinsf shared in our Healthy Recipe Group.

Attention all vegans and/or non vegans!

I put together my tasty tomato bruschetta recipe last night! Since I've mastered this version (if I do say so myself) I wanted to try a new recipe. I had the most amazing, spicy, tender, broccolini bruschetta at Delarosa, so I thought I would give this alternative a try. I found this simple recipe here . . . let's just say, both versions were absolutely delish and did not disappoint! Not only vegan friendly, but definitely super healthy!

For the recipe, keep reading.

Make This: Quinoa-Stuffed Zucchini

Fit Community — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 03:30:00 PDT

Check out this recipe for quinoa-stuffed zucchini that FitSugar member Angelica shared in our Healthy Recipe community group. Inspired by a meaty recipe for stuffed zucchini, I adapted a high protein vegetarian version with quinoa. It turned out delicious! I sliced off the top half of the zucchini and nuked it for three minutes then hollowed the zuccs out. As I filler I cooked a cup of quinoa and added chopped zucchini, two spoonfuls of olive tapenade, crushed mint, feta and salt and pepper. Easy, tasty, and satisfying.

Dying to share one of your favorite recipes? We're dying to hear about it, so share it in the Healthy Recipe Group.

The Easiest Killer App Ever: Greek Salad Bites

YumSugar — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:00:29 PDT

I am always looking for easy appetizers to throw together for an impromptu gathering. Inspired by PartySugar's scrumptious caprese skewers, I decided it was time to test out a Greek salad skewer. All it takes is a quick chop of ingredients and in about 20 minutes, I had a plate full of these delectable bites. The key is to make sure you have the right portion of each component - you don't want to overdo with the Feta or olives. A quick drizzle of olive oil and voilà, the easiest, freshest, and most flavorful killer app ever. It will surely impress your guests so keep reading for the simple recipe.

Healthy Recipe: Edamame and Pear Crostinis

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:50:53 PST

If you're having a dinner party and are looking for a healthy app to serve, search no more. Try this crostini featuring edamame, fresh mint, Romano cheese, and pears. These appetizers are packed with protein and zesty vibrant flavor.

The topping can be made ahead of time and it's a cinch to whip up, making this recipe popular with hostesses and guests alike. Check out the recipe when you

Recipe For Edamame and Pear Crostinis
From Health magazine

Ingredients

16 ounce bag of frozen shelled edamame
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped mint
1/2 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 baguette
1 Bartlett pear, diced

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F.
Boil the edamame in salted water for 10 minutes. Remove beans with a slotted spoon and place in ice water for a couple minutes to cool; then drain.
Set aside 1/4 cup of the whole edamame and place the remaining edamame a food processor; process until coarsely chopped.
In a separate bowl, combine the mashed edamame with the whole edamame, three tablespoons olive oil, chopped mint, Romano cheese, salt, and pepper.
Thinly slice the baguette, brush each piece lightly using one tablespoon olive oil. Bake for eight minutes.
Remove from the oven, top each crostini with one tablespoon of the edamame mixture, garnish with chopped pears and enjoy.

Print recipe with images | without images

This recipe makes about 30 crostinis and they're quite healthy, so you can enjoy more than one.

Serving Size	1 crostini
Calories	62
Total Fat	3.3 g
Sat. Fat	.8 g
Cholesterol	1 mg
Sodium	98 mg
Carbs	5.3 g
Fiber	1.1 g
Sugars	1.2 g
Protein	2.9 g

If you have a tasty and healthy recipe to share, post it in the Healthy Recipe Group. I am always looking for new ones to try.

Holiday Eating Survival Guide: Pass the Appetizers

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:47:55 PST

Is there a holiday party in your near future. Those appetizers tend to be packed with calories, but I have a trick to prevent overeating.

We all know that it's best not to arrive on an empty stomach since that leaves you absolutely ravenous for anything in sight. After munching on a healthy snack before you leave the house, employ this strategy when you arrive. If appetizer platters are passed, decline the first time you're offered each type of hors d'oeuvres. Chances are all the appetizers will make a second appearance later in the evening.

This will allow you to check out your food options, so you're not wasting your calories on something that you don't really want. You'll be more satisfied knowing that you indulged on food that you truly enjoy and didn't just jump at the first thing presented to you. On top of that, you'll likely consume less calories throughout the night.

12 Days of Edible Gifts: Quince Paste

YumSugar — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:00:50 PST

Surprise your friends this holiday with the unique edible gift of quince paste. Quince is a fruit closely related to apples and pears, but it's most commonly cooked into a jam, paste, or pudding. In Spain, quince paste (dulce de membrillo) is served with manchego. After tasting this sweet and salty combination, the paste has become an essential on my cheese plate. Since quince season ends in December, it's the perfect time to make this gift for cheese-lovers. Most recipes call for drying the paste in the oven for 15 hours, but luckily, I found one on Epicurious that simplifies the process. With a little experimenting, I was able to adapt their recipe to create a delightful quince paste with a consistency somewhere between jelly and gumdrops. Discover quince paste by reading more!