.png)
5 Wholesome Snack Ideas for Your Next Cocktail Party
Jules Aron
~
Instagram: @julesaron | julesaron.com
Cocktail Photos: @peppermint.wind.beauty
Photo of Jules: @cocopropshop
Food Photos: @papphoto
1. Sweet and Savory Party Nuts
INGREDIENTS
6 garlic cloves
¾ tsp sea salts
2 cups mixed raw nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts)
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari sauce
1½ tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp cayenne
METHOD
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mince the garlic and sprinkle salt on top. Smooth the garlic to a creamed paste by running the flat edge of your knife over the mixture. In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients together. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, toss the nuts and bake for another 10 minutes. Cooled nuts should be light golden brown and be firm and toasted.
2. Cheesy Kale Chips
INGREDIENTS
1 large bunch of curly kale
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp tahini
¼ tsp sea salt
METHOD
Wash and dry kale thoroughly. Remove stem from kale leaves and tear large pieces into a bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the coconut oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, tahini and sea salt. Pour this mixture over the kale. Massage the oil mixture into the kale to help soften the leaves and to evenly coat. Heat the oven to 200°F. Spread kale out as flat as possible onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until kale has dried out and is crispy. Make sure not to burn. Let cool and store in an airtight container.
3. Chia Salsa Fresca
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ jalapeño pepper, minced
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
METHOD
Toss all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the chia seeds to plump up and the flavors to marry. Use with your favorite chips or try adding to the veggie sun wraps for extra flavor.
4. Quick and Easy Cheesy Vegan Spread
INGREDIENTS
1½ cups raw cashews
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
Pinch of chili powder
1 tbsp olive oil
METHOD
Add raw cashews to a food processor and process into a butter, scraping down sides as needed. Add in spices and mix until a spread is formed. Add a little olive oil to help things blend together. Store in a jar and refrigerate to keep fresh. Use as a dip or spread. Delish!
5. Veggie Sun Wraps with Dipping Sauce
INGREDIENTS
Rolls
1 yellow pepper
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 avocado
½ cup cilantro
Collard greens
Dipping Sauce
½ avocado
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chunk of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
2 tbsp each of tamari, maple syrup and lime juice
Chili powder, to taste
¹⁄³ cup almond butter
¹⁄³ cup water
METHOD
Rolls Cut all the veggies into thin strips, except the collard leaves that you will use as wraps. Arrange your fillings in the middle of a collard leaf. Fold over two ends, then wrap it up like a burrito. Serve with the sauce and enjoy nature’s elegant beauty. Dipping Sauce Blend or mix together all the ingredients until smooth.
BEAUTY FOOD SPOTLIGHT
Rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and amino acids, goji berries help you maintain a smooth, radiant complexion by increasing blood circulation, soothing redness and reducing inflammation.
Zen & Tonic Tip
Healthy foods are not always more expensive. Most comparison studies look at cost per calorie, not exactly the ideal when it comes to health. Especially when healthy fruits and veggies are usually lower in calories to begin with. To save money on these healthy options, buy in season and local to save on shipping and middleman costs. And when organic is out of your price range, skip the fresh choices and opt for the frozen variety instead.
Jules Aron is an Integrative Nutrition Coach, Natural Beauty Advocate, Green Lifestyle Expert and author of four cookbooks, passionate about creating revitalizing, beautifying and guilt-free plant-based recipes that support well-being within and without.