Learn Why Bee Delicious is an important part of the BeeWell for Life Program

Believe it or not, the holiday season is quickly approaching.  This means that along with digging winter clothes out of storage, you might want to dust off some cookbooks and fire up your oven – it’s holiday party season.  We believe that holiday parties are GOOD for your health.  After all, who doesn’t feel better after a fun-filled night catching up with old friends and meeting new ones?  But, we also believe that it’s very important to have an eating plan – never leave home without it.  One of our strategies is to choose healthful appetizers and side dishes, so you can minimize consumption of heavier fare.  So, to increase the odds that there are plenty of healthful options, this week we’re teaching you how to create your own.  Here goes…

1. Stuffed sugar pumpkin: These small, sweet pumpkins can’t get any cuter…or more delicious.  To prepare, wash and dry the pumpkin and place the entire thing in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes (or until it just starts to soften).  Cut off the top and scoop out the seeds, as if you were going to carve a jack-o-lantern (save the top!)  In a large skillet, sauté ½ cup each: onions, diced carrots, chopped celery, sliced fennel in olive oil.  Add salt, pepper, and sage to taste.  Mix in 4 slices of roughly chopped whole grain toast.  Stuff bread mixture into the sugar pumpkin and drizzle with 1/3 cup reduced sodium vegetable broth.  Place the top back on the pumpkin and bake in a 350 degree oven for an additional 20-30 minutes (or until pumpkin flesh is very soft).  When served, the flesh of the sugar pumpkin can be scooped out with each serving of stuffing!

2. Salmon and goat cheese stuffed tomatoes: Bite-sized appetizers can still pack in jumbo-sized calories.  These stuffed tomatoes pack a powerful punch of flavor – and a creamy, rich texture – and less than 20 calories a pop.  Simply blend two 5 ounce cans (drained) of Bumble Bee Skinless and Boneless Pink Salmon with ½ cup goat cheese until mixture is just smooth (but not pureed).  Stir in 2 tablespoons capers and ¼ cup diced green onion.  Slice about 20 grape tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds.  Stuff each tomato half with the salmon-cheese filling.  Sprinkle the tops with fresh ground black pepper.

3. Wheat berry pilaf: No one can resist this festive whole grain pilaf.  Combine 2 cups of cooked wheat berries (you can find wheat berries in the bulk grains section of your grocery store or near the brown rice or hot cereals) with a diced apple, a diced pear, 3 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts or walnuts, ½ cup dried fruit (we like dried cherries and apricots), 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice.  This pilaf makes a great side dish with fish, poultry, red meat, or vegetarian entrées.

4. Pesto hummus: Serve this dip with crudités or slices of whole grain baguette for a flavorful appetizer that also delivers fiber and protein.  Simply blend one 15-ounce can of garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained) with ¼ cup prepared pesto.  The mixture should be smooth and of dipping consistency – if it’s too thick, add one tablespoon of warm wate