Seven Recipes for Any Party

Must-Eat Foods

Nigellissima!

You're invited to a holiday shindig—what do you give the hostess? Try one of these good-for-you food gifts.

Hostess gifts
From Health magazine What's your go-to gift for holiday parties? Instead of a bottle of wine, put together a delicious, homemade food gift for the dinner table. From Apple Pear Chutney to Spicy Rosemary Walnuts, these 7 creative (and healthy!) gift ideas are sure to wow your host and guarantee a return invitation.

 

Apple Pear Chutney
This delicious medley is amazing with cheese and crackers or spooned on top of a roasted pork loin.

Ingredients: Olive oil, large shallots, yellow mustard seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, red apples such as Gala or Braeburn, firm-ripe pears, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon zest, fresh ginger, golden raisins or dried cranberries 

Calories: 65 

 

Chili Lime Pecans
Chili powder, cumin, and lime zest give these pecans a tangy twist. This recipe makes a batch of 7 1/2 cups, so it's perfect for big parties or to freeze and eat later. 

Ingredients: Large egg whites, light brown sugar, pecan halves, chili powder, cumin, salt, lime zest 

Calories: 160 

 

Spicy Rosemary Walnuts
Need a quick hostess gift? Try packaging these nuts in cellophane bags or silver tins for a festive touch. 

Ingredients: Unsalted butter, dried rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, walnuts 

Calories: 181 

 

Apple Pie-Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds are done in 12 minutes and make for a healthy snack that'll last all week. 

Ingredients: Dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, ground allspice, freshly ground nutmeg, ground cloves, unsalted butter, raw pumpkin seeds or pepitas 

Calories: 208 

 

Herbed Spiced Olives
Make this an extra-special gift by pairing it with gourmet crackers. 

Ingredients: Mixed unpitted olives, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, lemon slices, extra-virgin olive oil, bay leaves, dried fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, coriander seeds 

Calories: 131

Superfood Chocolate Bark
Instead of using milk chocolate in this classic holiday dessert, we swapped in dark chocolate (60% to 70% cocoa solids) for a more antioxidant-rich sweet treat. 

Ingredients: Raw whole almonds, good-quality dark chocolate, soft goji berries

Calories: 168 

 

Whole-Grain Pancake Mix
Using whole-wheat flour adds a boost of healthy whole grains and belly-flattening protein to this traditional breakfast staple. 

Ingredients: Whole-wheat flour, coconut palm or packed light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt 

Calories: 209 

 

Source: Lori Powell/Health