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28
Dec
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Saying Farewell to 2011 with Healthy Eats & Treats |
I know you.
You, who believes me when I say you can pull out all the stops on New Year’s Eve, without taking a detour to the land of food-induced guilt.
You, who wants to impress your friends (or just the handsome guy sitting next to you) with food that earns looks of “wow” and tastes even better, without a full on fat fest.
You, who gets giddy over indulging no matter what because that’s what this party is all about, right?
For you, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite sweet and savory bites to ring in the new year.
Grilled Eggplant Rollatini
A pickable portion of the best eggplant parmesan I’ve ever had
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs
We enjoyed this more times than I can count for dinner, but stick a toothpick in them and you’ve got one perfect hors d’oeuvre)
Edamole / Guacamame
Don’t dwell on what to call it. Just go ahead and eat!
Shrimp in Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Another dinner-turned-hors d’oeuvre, this one can be prepped ahead and served chilled. I can’t think of a more perfect way to pack in some protein.
Thai Peanut Pumpkin Hummus
Because otherwise, your crudite platter is just plain boring
Buffalo Chicken Sweet Tater Skins
Need I say more?
Mongolian Beef and Cabbage Noodles
For those that can’t do NYE without Asian food. I’ve got you covered.
Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers
This is one of which we never grow old, and will be served on my NYE menu as mini meatballs or sliders
Grilled Eggplant-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Because it’s not a party till you convince someone that smokey marinated eggplant rivals bacon
Smokey Eggplant Guacamole
Serve up a duo of dueling guac’s by setting this next to…
Sweet and Crunchy Guacamole
One of the recipes I created for Clean Eating Magazine, this unexpected variation is dazzles with dried cranberries (or pomegranate seeds!), juicy mangy, and crunchy pepitas and jicama
Chicken, Artichoke and Grape Skewers
If a little Mediterranean flare is your thing (it’s definitely mine!)
Mediterranean Date and Olive Pizza on a Chickpea Crust
You better cut your pieces small, because it’s gonna go quick, I promise
Baked Salmon Rangoon with Apple and Goat Cheese
Way more fun and interesting than take-out, Ben wholeheartedly agreed that these deserve a re-appearance on our NYE spread
Superbly Stuffed Collard Wraps
The ultimate health nuts in your life will thank you (hint: you can prep them a day or two ahead)
Cacao-Mint Cookie Truffles
Because the holidays ain’t over yet!
Cookie Dough Cupcakes
If your New Year’s resolution involves tricking people with secret ingredients, this one’s for you
The (one and only, best-ever) Rice Krispie Treats
Because you’ve been so good, go ahead and splurge a little. Or a lot. These are the definition of addicting.
I'm Cara, lover of creative, clean food and healthy living. Pumpkin, goat cheese, and eggplant make me swoon. I have an insatiable sweet tooth and desire to lift heavy things. 
Hallie @ Daily Bites — December 28, 2011 @ 2:12 pm
Such an enticing collection of recipes, Cara! I want to try them all! 🙂
Lizzy — December 28, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
Speaking as someone who loves Cara and her recipes, I've made quite a few of these dishes and they've all been fantastic- cranberry meatballs, edamole, and thai sliders are some of my favorites too!
Nicole, RD — December 28, 2011 @ 2:40 pm
Yum! I have made several of these! I love the edamame guacamole – so good! I made the Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers, and the Shrimp in a Creamy Horseradish Sauce. 2011 was delicious over here 🙂
Emily — December 28, 2011 @ 3:09 pm
What a great year… so many guacamole recipes to choose from!
Megan — December 28, 2011 @ 3:55 pm
Such great ideas. The chicken, artichoke, and grape skewers are especially calling out to me!
Tamara Grand — December 28, 2011 @ 10:20 pm
I just finished lunch, but your pictures made me crazy hungry again!Love your site!
Joanne — December 29, 2011 @ 1:10 am
I knew I could count on you for some healthy delicious NYE fare! I think I'll be eating before I head to the party I'm going to…but I may whip up one of these just for myself. Happy New Year's love!
Ricki — December 29, 2011 @ 4:02 am
Wow, those recipes look incredible! Love the different hummuses and guacamoles! And dates in eggplant–oh, yes, please! 🙂 Hope you have a great NYE, Cara! 🙂
Yocelyn Diaz Suarez — December 29, 2011 @ 1:30 pm
This all looks so amazing…… I want it all especially the rice krispie treat!
Kate — December 29, 2011 @ 3:58 pm
How fabulous would it be to go to a NYE party that served all of these ?!