Dietitians Dish – August 29, 2022
Small Bites for Many Occasions
Whether you’re looking for finger foods for your next gathering, or something to pack in a lunchbox, there are many great ideas you can make ahead of time. When deciding what bite-sized items to make, find options that offer flavor with “better for you” ingredients. Even though appetizers and bite-sized desserts are small, they can be high in fat, added sugar and calories – which means not-so-good choices! Find some recipes made in muffin tins that you can make ahead of time. You’re sure to find something everyone will love, and just might make back-to-school lunches a bit easier!
Mini Banana Oatmeal Muffins
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup plain or cinnamon applesauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
- 3 Tbsps. honey
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- Optional Toppings: nuts, seeds, fruit (fresh or dried), chocolate chunks
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Spray mini muffin tin with baking spray. In large skillet, toast oats over medium heat 8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- In large bowl, whisk egg; whisk in banana, yogurt, applesauce, milk, honey, cinnamon, baking powder, vanilla extract and salt until combined. Fold oats into egg mixture until combined.
- Evenly divide oatmeal mixture into prepared cups, filling 3/4 full; add toppings, if desired. Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of muffins comes out clean. Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days.
Cauliflower Pizza Cups
- 1 large head cauliflower, coarsely chopped
- 2 large egg whites
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 tsps. no salt added Italian seasoning
- 24 slices turkey pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°. Liberally spray 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
- In food processor, pulse half the cauliflower 10 times or to rice-like consistency; transfer to large microwave-safe bowl (you should have about 6 cups). Repeat with remaining cauliflower.
- Heat cauliflower in microwave oven on high 8 minutes or until tender; stir in eggs, remaining pepperoni, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning and 1/2 the pepperoni. Heat cauliflower mixture in microwave oven on high 2 minutes; stir.
- Firmly press cauliflower mixture into prepared cups; with back of spoon, make small well in center of each. Bake cups 18 minutes or until browned; add sauce, mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/2 the pepperoni. Bake cups 10 minutes or until cheese melts; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cool cups in pan 5 minutes; remove cups and serve.