Quick and easy recipes for healthier entertaining!

I love having friends and family over to share great food and great conversation!

The problem is, when time is short, chips, cheese and creamy/oily dips seem to be the easiest things to grab and serve – but, after nibbling and chatting goes on, if you’re anything like me, you can end up leaving the party/event/family gathering feeling like you have gained a roll round your middle and a little on the sick side… I am sure we all deep down actually want to feel good, don’t we?

The great news is, if you’re up for it, there is another way and this is the way I now do things. As well as a small amount of cheese (you will never get me to give up a small slice of blue cheese at a social occasion) or whatever your luxury item might be, you can serve some delicious healthy dips, some veges/fruit, wholegrain crackers, olives, raw nuts and all sorts of other healthier goodies (more on this in future blogs…).

Today, I am going to focus on making healthy dips at home: firstly, because it’s easier than you think and allows you to make a much healthier dip than many of the supermarket options; and secondly, because it is SO much cheaper to DIY!

I make these dips when I have friends over, to have with my lunch on crackers for a light meal or snack and really, they are good recipes to always have at hand.

Spicy carrot and chickpea dip

• 2 carrots – peeled, chopped and steamed until soft
• 1 teaspoon each ground cumin, curry powder, ground coriander
• 1 can chickpeas – drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• zest and juice of 1/2 orange

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender. Add enough water to make into the consistency of your liking. Season to taste.

Beetroot dip

I made this on TVNZ Breakfast a few weeks ago for Rawdon and Toni – they just loved it and have been making it themselves ever since.

Recipe from Healthy Food Guide – find it here.

Until next time… happy healthier living.