I believe there are two kinds of people at holiday parties:

• Those who hang by the food, and
• Those who hang with others.

Maybe there are three kinds; some just hang by the booze.

I absolutely fall into the first category. Party food is my jam. I love exploring other tastes and combinations. Somehow I fool myself that I’m not eating much since I’m having just one piece. My problem is I have just one piece of EVERYTHING, resulting in complete over indulgence. 

One hack I’ve created is to ensure there’s one healthy dish I can fill my plate with. Often I bring said dish so I have no excuse.  If I put enough good stuff on it then there’s no room for the baked brie or tiramisu (both divine).

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next party, try one of these recipes. They’ll wow the guests, please your palate, and nourish your body.

Sweetpea Cakes

I must tell you the official name is Sweet Potato Chickpea Cakes. Nothing says “party food” like Sweet Potato Chickpea Cakes. (insert sarcastic eye roll here)

My bible study sisters agreed at our annual Christmas party: these deserve a better name. We played around with it and decided Sweetpea Cakes sounded more appealing.

Make these bite-sized for your guests to pop in their mouth and be wowed. Then you can wow them even more when you tell them the main ingredients.

Serve Avocado Cream alongside these cakes for an extra zip. Click here to print the Avocado Cream recipe.

This recipe is from Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky. (If you’ve been a regular reader this year you’re probably rolling your eyes because I talk about this book so much. It’s even on my 7 fitness gifts for under $30 post)

Click here for a printable recipe.

Bloody Mary Shrimp

Confession: I take no credit for finding this. My friend and neighbor served these last year at her holiday party. It was such a creative dish and the flavor was incredible. Note that vodka is one of the ingredients, so this is best presented at an adults-only event. Or one where the kiddos won’t accidentally dig in.

Obviously, these aren’t 100% healthy because of the vodka addition, but I remember reading an article once saying that vodka helps increase the antioxidant power of fruits it’s paired with. No, I can’t find that reference, and yes, can we please just pretend I did?

Click here to be directed to the recipe page. 

Don’t Get Beet Hummus

I swear I don’t stalk Mrs. Flanagan and Kopecky. But this one, again, is from Run Fast. Cook Slow. I mentioned in my 7 fitness-related gifts for under $30 post that you don’t need to be a runner to appreciate the nourishing recipes. I’ve taken this dish to many events that included non-runners. The bright pink hue of the hummus grabs everyone’s attention.

I do recommend you include a sign displaying the name of your hummus, otherwise someone may dig in thinking it’s pink frosting (though why someone would want a glop of pink frosting with a red pepper is beyond me).

This is a great dip to take to events where you can play with the word “beet.” Last year my son’s school got this with a sign that said, “Nobody BEETS our teachers!” Or I’m envisioning a softball gathering that proclaims, “You can’t BEET our Lady Rangers!” I might have to get creative with a Christmas party sign. Somehow saying, “Nothing BEETS Jesus” just sounds weird. It’s true, but weird.

Click here to print the recipe.

Serve with vegetable crudites and/or pita chips.

Bean Dip/Texas Caviar

Depending on what part of the country you’re from, you’ve probably had a version of this. It’s hard to mess this one up, so play around with the ingredients and make it your own.

Unfortunately I don’t have a good picture of this one. Just picture a bowl with a bunch of diced veggies and beans. Bam, there’s your Texas Caviar.

My favorite trick is to add diced mango for a hint of sweetness. This can expand beyond an appetizer as well. I’ve been known to make this on a Friday evening and my husband and I have it for meals throughout the weekend.

Click here for the recipe.

As you hit the holiday circuit this year, consider one of these dishes. You’ll wow the guests and appreciate the nutrition that goes along with your item.

But if you do, get creative. Nothing says Happy New Year like “Sweet Potato Chickpea Cakes.”