Holiday Survival Guide, Appetizers

Well, I have been horribly remiss about keeping up with my blog. I have had a very odd few weeks during which I have learned a few things about myself. Some good, some not so much. However, believe it or not, I am not going to digress (at least until some time down the road.) I would like to apologize to my follower Bendingo who was kind enough to post a recommendation of my blog. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to respond... time got away from me and, well... as I said, an odd few weeks!

So now here we all are smack in the middle of the Holiday season! I am going to devote my next few blogs to a survival guide of festive recipes that won't have you sobbing out your New Years vow to lose weight! Speaking of which, my diet has reached this terribly frustrating plateau stage. When I say plateau I mean a plain the size of the Kalahari Desert!!! I will go a month of not losing an ounce, then dribble off a few pounds only to be stuck there for another month! Honestly i have lost and gained the same two pounds about 20 times! Unfortunately that doesn't mean I get to claim a 40 pound weight loss! Mind you, I am not being as vigilant as I was in the beginning during my uber rapid loss. Frankly, I'm not going to be... at least for the time being. I am seeking out a lifestyle that is livable! Uh... there is a chance that I am living a little too large. I want to drop 5 or 10 between now and Christmas, but for the most part I will be very satisfied if I can maintain throughout the Holidays, without gaining anything! That being said, I am going to share a few recipes that help me, and could help you get through the ensuing festivities, without gaining weight and without feeling like a martyr!
Let's start with appetizers. You know those potluck type of get togethers where everyone brings chips and cookies? I know, I know, there is always the vegetable tray ensemble to munch on, but let's face it... without the ranch dip, a veggie tray is just not that festive! So following is a recipe for a dip I call "Death by Garlic!!" This is not a dip for the faint of heart! Nor is it a good alternative for anyone planning on making out after eating! However, if you are a garlic lover (as I am) and love spicy food (as I do) you will definitely dig this dip! (Yes of course the pun was intended.)

Death by Garlic!!

In a blender pour
1 cup of flax seed oil (yes I know it's godawful expensive... but so good for you!)
1 cup pasteurized egg whites
5 or 6 cloves of fresh garlic
1 tablespoon of fresh horseradish
juice from one lemon
plenty of salt free lemon pepper

Blend to the consistency of mayonnaise. Add more egg whites to thin, more oil to thicken. Refrigerate for an hour or so before serving (if you can.) I have stored mine in the refer for up to a week. Frankly it's never lasted longer than that because my teen son will actually eat it with a spoon! Fabulous as a dip, and I always serve it with my baked chicken fingers (a recipe I will share at a later date!)

Here is another appetizer recipe that we all love... Candied Jalapenos.

In a small pot, place 1 1/2 cups of water
1 1/2 cups Splenda
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder and a few drops of green food coloring.

Place on fairly high heat and bring to a boil.
Slice 5 or 6 large jalapeno pepper (leaving the seeds in them) in 1/8 inch thick rounds. Put the jalapenos into the syrup and let them boil in it for 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the jalapeno slices to a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Spread them out and let them cool. Turn the heat off under the syrup, but leave it where it is. In about 15 minutes, heat the syrup to a boil again and throw the jalapeno slices back in. Once again, let them bubble along for 3 or 4 minutes. Remove them again to the cookie sheet and let them cool once more. Now repeat this process two more times. Once you have dipped them four times they are lovely, sticky little gems. You also should have a little syrup left over that I have put to great use! (I've used it as part of a dipping sauce, as barbecue sauce, I even made non fat, no sugar jalapeno cheesecake ice cream with it once... and it was good!)
I have found (at a health food store but I'm sure they are in other places as well) these rice crackers that are round, cheese flavored thins that come in a boxy tube. They're terrific and have acceptable levels of fat and sodium. I smear them with a little non fat cream cheese and top them with the emerald green candied jalapenos for a fabulous and festive appetizer that is pretty damn guilt free!

Okay, those are my survival hints for appetizers. Next blog I'll share some side dish recipes that are amazing (oh... and did I say festive?)