Category Archives: Snacks

Layered Mediterranean Dip

Appetizers, Recipes, Sides, Snacks, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Layered Mediterranean Dip | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, plant based, vegan, dairy free, low carb, gluten free

This layered dip is full of flavor and a much healthier alternative to layered Mexican dip. You can add or omit any ingredients according to personal preference.

To make roasted eggplant – cut into small cubes, toss with olive oil and salt, and roast at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and light golden brown. Let cool before adding to dip.

For the hummus, either make your own or use a packaged hummus. It doesn’t necessarily
have to be 2 cups, it can be less.

Layered Mediterranean Dip

Print recipe
Serves 8 - 10
Prep time 10 minutes
Meal type Appetizer
This healthy layered dip is a perfect appetizer for a party or potluck, and happens to be entirely plant-based.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups hummus
  • 1 cup roasted eggplant (chopped)
  • 1 cup cucumber (diced)
  • 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts
  • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes (julienned)
  • 1/4 cup olives (any kind) (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (minced)
  • 1-2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)

Optional

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1
Layer all ingredients in a shallow dish, starting with the hummus, then roasted eggplant. The other ingredients except olive oil and pine nuts can be layered in any order, but the order listed is recommended. Drizzle the olive oil on top when finished layering. Any ingredients can be omitted to suit personal preference. Add pine nuts just prior to serving.
Step 2
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Add pine nuts. Serve with raw veggies such as bell pepper strips, halved and seeded mini sweet peppers, or cucumber slices, or whole grain baked pita chips.

Layered Mediterranean Dip | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, plant based, vegan, dairy free, low carb, gluten free

Pear Sauce, Unsweetened

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Pear Sauce, Unsweetened | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, no sugar added, plant based, vegan, dairy free, gluten free

It’s like applesauce, but with pears! No added sugar necessary, especially if you use ripe to overly ripe pears. The ground ginger gives this recipe a little kick. You can mash/puree the pears using a variety of tools, including a whisk, potato masher, blender, food processor, or immersion blender. I used a whisk to make the chunky sauce pictured.

Pear Sauce

Print recipe
It's like applesauce, but with pears!

Ingredients

  • 6 ripe pears (peeled, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 20-25 minutes. Let cool.
Step 2
Once cool, mash with a potato masher or whisk or puree with an immersion blender or food processor. Pour off excess liquid if necessary. Refrigerate until served.

Pear Sauce, Unsweetened | GuessWhosCooking.com | Healthy, no sugar added, plant based, vegan, dairy free, gluten free

Broiled Green Beans

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Eat them like French fries, with or without sauce, or enjoy them as a super quick side dish, or keep reading for another idea!

Haricot vert, French for green beans, are a variety of green beans that are longer and thinner than most varieties in the US. When you broil them, they will be tender yet crisp on the outside. Because they are thin, they cook very quickly and work really well in this recipe. If you can’t find them, just use the thinnest green beans you can find and increase the cooking time.

Broiling is a high temperature direct heat cooking method. The outcome is an appearance that mimics Chinese restaurant-style stir fried green beans, usually cooked in a wok over a very high flame, which isn’t always possible at home, especially when you have an electric (as opposed to gas) stove. After broiling, you could try quickly warming them in a large skillet with a Szechuan sauce.

Pro tip: Trim the stems off the green beans by using kitchen shears. It is easier and dirties less dishes than using a cutting board and knife.

You can even roast frozen green beans straight out of the freezer! Prepare them the same way except bake (rather than broil) at 400˚F for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until light golden brown.

Broiled Green Beans

Print recipe
Serves 3
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Dietary Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Meal type Side Dish, Snack
Misc Child Friendly, Serve Hot
This super simple recipe is addictively delicious and takes only about 5 minutes to cook!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups green beans, trimmed
  • olive oil
  • salt to taste

Optional

  • garlic powder

Directions

Step 1
Place oven rack in the top third of oven, second rack from the top. Set oven to broil.
Step 2
Toss green beans with a drizzle of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and if using, a light dusting of garlic powder. Spread an even layer of green beans on a baking sheet.
Step 3
Broil until light golden brown, tossing once or twice, about 5 minutes for haricot vert or very thin green beans, or up to 10-15 minutes for standard green beans. Watch the oven carefully the entire time to prevent burning.

Broiled Green Beans | GuessWhosCooking.com | Easy, quick, healthy, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Apple “Nachos”

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos - healthy dessert that is gluten free, low in added sugar, and can be made dairy free and vegan. Guess Who's Cooking

This guilt-free dessert or appetizer is easy, requires very little cooking (microwaving), and is low in added sugar, gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free and vegan (depending on the chocolate chips). It only takes a few minutes to prepare, but is sure to please!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos

Print recipe
Serves 4-5
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 1 minute
Total time 11 minutes
Meal type Appetizer, Dessert
Misc Child Friendly
This fun-looking and fun-tasting dish is a great dessert with very little added sugar.

Ingredients

  • 3 large apples
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (preferably organic and unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup mini dark or semisweet chocolate chips (divided. Look for vegan chips to make this a vegan recipe)

Directions

Step 1
Cut apples into thin slices, about 16 per apple. Place on a large plate.
Step 2
Microwave the peanut butter in a small bowl on high until it becomes melted enough to drizzle, 15 seconds at a time. You may be able to skip this step if using a fresh jar of natural peanut butter because it will already be somewhat thin. Drizzle over the apples.
Step 3
Microwave 2-3 tablespoons of the chocolate chips in a small bowl on high for about 30 seconds. Stir, then continue heating 15 seconds at a time until completely melted when stirred. Drizzle over the apples.
Step 4
Garnish with the remaining chocolate chips and serve immediately. The apples will start to brown, so don't wait to long to serve.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Apple Nachos - healthy dessert that is gluten free, low in added sugar, and can be made dairy free and vegan. Guess Who's Cooking

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

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Guacamole Deviled Eggs - dairy free, low carb, gluten free, vegetarian, healthy! Recipe from Guess Who's Cooking

 

Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Print recipe
Serves 6
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 12 minutes
Total time 22 minutes
Meal type Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
These avocado deviled eggs replace the traditional mayonnaise with healthier avocado. This provides a fun, tasty, and colorful twist!

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 large avocado
  • 1 tablespoon red onion (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2-3 teaspoons lime juice

Optional

  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • paprika for garnish

Note

Tired of standard deviled eggs? Put a healthy twist on them by stuffing with guacamole!

Directions

Step 1
Hard boil the eggs. One method is to put the eggs in pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover for 12 minutes. Drain and let sit in ice water to cool.
Step 2
Peel the eggs, cut in half lengthwise, and remove the yolks. Save 2 yolks and discard the rest.
Step 3
Mash the avocado and add the 2 yolks, red onion, lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder. Mix well but leave the avocado slightly chunky.
Step 4
Fill the egg whites with the avocado mixture. Sprinkle with paprika.

Guacamole Deviled Eggs - dairy free, low carb, gluten free, vegetarian, healthy! Recipe from Guess Who's Cooking

25 Healthy & Fun Game Day Recipes

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25 Healthy and Fun Game Day Recipes | Guess Who's Cooking | Recipes are mostly minimally processed, plant-based, and low in added sugar and refined flours. Perfect for the Super Bowl!

Looking for a healthier recipe to share during the big game? Here are 25 recipes that are healthy, fun and delicious. For those with special needs or tastes, many recipes are:

  • Made with whole, real foods
  • Vegan
  • Lower-carb
  • No-sugar-added

Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks

Asian Cole Slaw

Baked Falafel

Bean & Corn Dip

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Chex Mix Pumpkin Seeds

Eggplant “Fries”

Mexican Zucchini Fritters

Pizza Hummus

Rosemary Sesame Pecans

Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds

Savory Roasted Chickpeas

Vegetarian Baked Beans (lower sugar)

 

Entrees

Cajun Meatloaf

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa

Fishy Nuggets

Mexican Taco Meatloaf

Personal Portabello Pizzas

Pizza Omelet

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

White Chicken Chili (dairy-free)

 

Desserts

Black Bean Brownies

Buckeyes

Chickpea Blondies

 

Egg Muffins (A.K.A. Mini Fritatta or Omelet Muffins)

Entree, Recipes, Snacks, , , , , , , , , , ,

Egg Muffins

I have suggested this recipe to dozens of people, and many of them make these quick breakfast treats regularly! You can use whatever fillings you’d like to keep it interesting. For inspiration, think about what fillings you would enjoy in an omelet. For the healthiest egg muffins, emphasize the veggies, but avoid  processed meats (bacon, sausage, ham, etc.) and keep cheese to a minimum, if you use it at all.

Veggie filling ideas:

  • Mushrooms (sauteed) + spinach/chard (sauteed)
  • Broccoli (lightly cooked, or thawed from frozen) + raw tomato (halved cherry/grape tomatoes)
  • Butternut squash (cooked) + sage
  • Bell peppers (raw or cooked) + onion (raw or cooked)
  • Leftover grilled vegetables, chopped
  • Pizza  = marinara/pizza sauce + favorite pizza toppings (mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers)

Egg Muffins

Print recipe
These mini frittatas are a favorite recipe of many. Use your favorite veggies and fillings!

Ingredients

  • 10 Large eggs
  • 2 cups vegetables of choice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • Oil for greasing pan

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a muffin tin with oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Step 2
Whisk eggs. Add vegetables of choice and salt. Feel free to add other fillings, herbs, or spices. Pour egg mixture into muffin tin until cups are 2/3 full.
Step 3
Place muffin tin in oven and bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven, let cool, and serve or store in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days.

 

Egg Muffins (AKA Mini Frittatas or Omelet Muffins) | a healthy, quick, easy breakfast | Low carb, high protein, high vegetable recipe | Guess Who's Cooking.

Easy Whole Wheat Scallion Pancakes

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These savory pancakes are similar to Chinese and Korean pancakes, but are made with whole wheat flour. They may not be completely authentic, but they are easy to make and even easier to eat. You could experiment with other finely chopped or shredded veggies too, such as carrots or bell peppers.

Healthy Whole Wheat Scallion Pancake - similar to Chinese or Korean pancakes. Guess Who's Cooking

Whole Wheat Scallion Pancakes

Print recipe
Serves 4-8
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Total time 35 minutes
Meal type Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish, Snack
These savory pancakes are similar to Chinese and Korean scallion pancakes, but have a healthy twist with whole wheat flour.

Ingredients

Pancakes

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 cup green onions (or about 8 stalks)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons oil (grapeseed, canola, coconut, or olive oil)

Dipping Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

Pancakes
Step 1
Add eggs to a large bowl and whisk. Add water and flour and whisk until well combined.
Step 2
Slice green onions into 1-inch pieces. Add to batter, along with salt.
Step 3
Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add about 1/2 teaspoon oil to the pan to lightly coat the bottom.
Step 4
Add about 1 cup of batter to the pan. Swirl the pan to make the pancake an even round shape, and use a wooden spoon to spread out the scallions if necessary.
Step 5
When the edges start to brown and the underside is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, flip the pancake. Continue cooking until the underside is golden brown, another 3-4 minutes. Set aside and repeat steps 3-5 until you've used up all the batter. Cut into wedges and serve with dipping sauce.
Dipping Sauce
Step 6
Whisk together ingredients for dipping sauce.

Holiday Gingerbread Granola

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Give a healthier gift this year! This homemade granola is lower in sugar and added fat than most recipes. The gingerbread flavor and the colors, red cranberries and green pistachios, make this a festive treat. Substitute pumpkin puree for the applesauce for pumpkin gingerbread granola. One batch will fill about 2-3 standard size mason jars, which make a great gift! Recommended serving size is 1/4 cup. Try this granola over plain yogurt or with a little bit of milk or milk alternative.

If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, look for gluten-free oats.

Holiday Gingerbread Granola

Print recipe
Serves 18
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Total time 40 minutes
This holiday granola has less added fat and sugar than most traditional recipes, and is made with whole, natural ingredients. The red cranberries and green pistachios make it a festive gift that would look beautiful in a decorated mason jar!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup organic unsweetened applesauce (or substitute with pumpkin puree)
  • 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, or other oil (melted)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon molasses
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or more to taste)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 325° F.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut flakes, and almonds. Sprinkle ginger, cinnamon, and salt in the bowl and toss.
Step 3
Over the oat mixture, pour coconut oil, applesauce, molasses, maple syrup, and vanilla, then stir to until oat mixture is well coated.
Step 4
Spread granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes and watching carefully and stirring every few minutes for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. Remove from oven when granola is golden brown and almost completely dry.
Step 5
Let cool, then add pistachios and dried cranberries.

 

 

Rosemary Sesame Pecans

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Give a healthier gift this year! These savory roasted pecans are free of added sugar but full of flavor. Serving size is about 1/4 cup, so this recipe makes about 16 servings. Pack them into mason jars for festive and healthy holiday gifts!

Lightly adapted from this recipe.
Rosemary Sesame Pecans = Healthy homemade Christmas or holiday gift - low carb, dairy free, gluten free, sugar free. Guesswhoscooking.com

Rosemary Sesame Pecans

Print recipe
Serves 16
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 25 minutes
Total time 30 minutes
Meal type Appetizer, Snack
These savory roasted nuts make a healthy Christmas or holiday gift without all the added sugar of most holiday treats.

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (minced)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1lb pecan halves, raw (about 4 cups)

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
Whisk egg whites in a large bowl.
Step 3
Mix sesame seeds, rosemary, and salt in a small bowl.
Step 4
Add pecans to egg whites and stir to combine well. Add sesame seed mix and stir to distribute evenly.
Step 5
Spread pecans evenly on the baking sheets in a single layer. Bake 20-25 minutes until coating is dry.

Rosemary Sesame Pecans = Healthy homemade Christmas or holiday gift - low carb, dairy free, gluten free, sugar free. Guesswhoscooking.com