Category: appetizer

Filipino “Melon” Chilled Cantaloupe Drink

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

It’s been very hot here in southern CA so all I’ve been craving are salads, fruits and cold drinks! This recipe is a favorite of mine and a traditional drink served in the Philippines during their hot humid days. It’s super simple to make and very refreshing. The hint of sugar is very mild so it definitely quenches your thirst. Plus, you get a little treat of cantaloupe meat at the very end. Whip this drink up for your family and friends at your next get together!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, kid friendly

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4-Ingredient Firecracker Shrimp

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

Can you tell I’m obsessed with jalapeños lol!? I pinned this recipe from www.baconbuttercheesegarlic.com and can’t get enough of them! It’s a low-carb, yet indulgent way of eating jalapeño poppers and quite easy to make. It only takes a few ingredients and shrimp cooks up in a jiffy. It’s now a favorite delicious bite I like to serve at summer BBQs!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat meal, low carbRead More »

4th of July Appetizers

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

The Fourth of July is coming up! A few weeks back, I had a BBQ for Memorial Day and made these two patriotic appetizers: 7-layer dip and a veggie tray. If you are having a BBQ or are invited to one, you may want to bring one or both of these snacks to celebrate our Independence Day! Cheers!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kidney friendly*, diabetes friendly*, kid-friendly, cheat meal**

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Zucchini Quinoa Patties w/ Dill Cream

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

These wholesome little patties pack in so much flavor using simple ingredients, and they are carb/gluten free! You can enjoy them as a light snack or lunch, or alongside a lean protein for a healthy meal. The delicious dill cream adds a bright contrast to the savory patties. Hope you love them as much as my hubby and I did!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, diabetes friendly, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory Read More »

Easy Restaurant-Style Salsa

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

One of my best friends, Diana, introduced me to this super easy and refreshing salsa at a BBQ over her house a few months ago. We are both big fans of Pioneer Woman because of her simple yet delicious recipes. This is one of our go-to’s for sure! I adjusted just a bit for my taste. This recipe makes quite a lot for a group, and then some!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, diabetes friendly Read More »

Dilly Salt and Vinegar Cucumbers

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

This is one of my, and also my nephew Aidon’s favorite, healthy snacks. And it seriously only takes 5 minutes to make. I found this recipe on the Recipe Book and More blog and adjusted a bit to decrease the salt and increase the dill. Enjoy that slightly salty, tart flavor of salt and vinegar chips with the brightness of dill, without all the carbs. It’s also very refreshing on a hot summer day!

 -Mel

Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, Low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendlyRead More »

Garlic Lime Shrimp-Stuffed Avocado

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

My hubby and I love shrimp tacos but sometimes we want a low-carb option. I created this recipe so that we can enjoy the rich, fresh flavors of shrimp tacos without the tortilla. They are so yummy! They are also a great recipe for the spring and summer seasons, light yet very tasty, especially with the creamy avocado scooped up with each bite!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendlyRead More »

Strawberry Spring Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

My sisters and I spent Mother’s Day harvesting some fresh strawberries at beautiful Tanaka Farms in Irvine a few weeks ago. What a fun experience…only $6 per person, and you get a tour of the vast property on a hayride truck, and your own container for picking plump, sweet strawberries! I picked up this yummy recipe from their farm store and just had to try it. It’s the perfect salad for this spring!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendlyRead More »

Bacon Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

Lots of BBQ’s and summer gatherings will soon be happening (if they’re not already). If you need a yummy appetizer to bring to your next gathering, try my Sriracha Bacon Deviled Eggs! We recently went to a giant gathering and these bad boys were gone in minutes! Deviled eggs with a little kick! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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Hummus 3 Ways!

Mel and Tammy4 Comments

My husband absolutely LOVES hummus and now that he knows how big of a batch we can make at half the cost of the store-bought kind, it’s a weekly routine for us! It’s such a wholesome snack and so satisfying, especially when eaten with veggies. My favorite basic hummus recipe comes from www.inspiredtaste.net. Very tasty, so simple to make and very fluffy. My sister-in-law Tammy and I also experimented with other variations using black and white beans. The basics of hummus are so easy that you can definitely make it your own!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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