A Mix of Weekend Round-Up and Healthy Foods

Some of the Week's Best Holiday Appetizers 

Pepperoni Caprese Bites with Basil Vinaigrette 

Recipe makes makes 24

Ingredients:

• 24 Mini Mozzarella Balls
• 24 Basil Leaves
• 24 Slices of Pepperoni
• 24 Small Cherry Tomatoes
• 24 Toothpicks

Directions:

• Thread the mozzarella ball first then fold the pepperoni in half and half again and thread onto the toothpick. 
•  Next add the basil leaf then the tomato.

Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1/3 Cup Olive Oil
• 1 TB. White Balsamic Vinegar
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 scallion, finely minced
• 6 basil leaves, chopped fine
• Pinch of salt
• 6 grinds of black pepper

Directions:

In a medium glass jar, add all of the above ingredients and shake well or use a blender. 
Let sit at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Healthy Cucumber Bites

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers-English variety
• Grape Tomatoes
• Lite Garlic Herb Soft Cheese e.g. Boursin or Rondele   
• Smoked paprika or chipolte powder

Directions:

• Slice cucumber lengthwise. and then slice crosswise into pieces. Use a melon scooper and scoop out center. Fill with a teaspoon of cheese. 
• Add a grape half. Sprinkle with smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Cranberry Brie Bites
This quick and easy appetizer is a fruit and cheese course in every melty, delectable bite!
Ingredients:

• 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 lb. Brie cheese
• 1 cup cranberry relish, fig preserves or hot pepper jelly (purchased or homemade)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheets into approximately 3 inch x 3 inch squares. Press each square into a muffin cavity.
• Cube the cheese - about a 3/4 inch cube for each (you may have a little cheese left over). Place a cube of brie in the center of each puff pastry square. Top the brie with a small dollop (about 2 tsp.) of cranberry relish or pepper jelly.
• Bake about 10 minutes or until puff pastry corners are toasted lightly brown.
• Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

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17 Weight Watcher Sides Recipes

Raspberry Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail 
Cook's added comment: Put this recipe top of your list. It's festive looking and quite tasty! Recipe from heathercristo.com

Ingredients:

• 8 TB. pomegranate juice 
• 1 pint raspberry sorbet 
• 4 TB. pomegranate seeds 
• chilled champagne 

Directions:

• Freeze your glasses until frosty. 
• Add 2 Tb. of pomegranate juice to the bottom of each glass. 
• Add a few small scoops of the raspberry sorbet and 1 teaspoon of pomegranate seeds to each glass. 
• Top with chilled champagne.