Christmas is only 9 weeks away, and parties to celebrate will come even sooner than that!
Inspired by the festive feeling, we’re sharing with you some delicious (and healthy too) cocktails and canapés you can indulge in without the guilt!
The summer holiday season means parties with friends, family gatherings, and lots and lots of yummy cocktails and food! Here are some recipes you’ll love (that won’t break your resolve to adhering to a healthy lifestyle).
Sip away in your favourite kaftan dress, this low-calorie version (just 218 calories) of a summer favourite: In a cocktail shaker (or ask the bartender for) – 1 shot (2 ounces) of citrus flavoured vodka, 1 splash of club soda, 1 splash of cranberry juice, juice of 1 lime. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Here’s a simple appetiser you can throw together in no time (just like the kaftan style) and the perfect ‘introduction’ to your holiday celebration.
Choose your favourite light biscuit wafers
DIY topping – Greek yoghurt, cream cheese, freshly chopped dill, fresh lemon juice and salt to taste or another creamy dipping you like at the supermarket (low in fat, greek yoghurt based)
Slices of smoked salmon
Capers or fresh dill for garnish
Fill a martini shaker with 1 cup of ice. Add 6 lime wedges, 1 1/2 tbsp of lime juice, and 2 tbsp of torn fresh mint leaves. Grind some lime and mint with a pestle or a long spoon until well-bruised and fragrant. Next combine 1/2 tsp warmed honey, 2 ounces of rum, and 4 ounces of club soda; stir gently to dissolve honey. Add to mixture; stir until mixture is well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice; garnish with mint and lime slices, if desired.
These spring rolls are really healthy and not fried (you won’t worry about one of your silk kaftans getting stained). They make a lovely change for a summer party, served with one or both of the dipping sauces.
The Rolls:
8 small rice paper wrappers
1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 small carrot, peeled and grated
1 medium Lebanese cucumber, peeled and cut into ribbons (see note)
1 medium avocado, peeled and cut into strips
Step 1 – Pour warm water into a heatproof bowl until half full. Dip 1 rice paper wrapper in water. Place on a flat surface. Stand for 20 to 30 seconds or until soft enough to roll without splitting.
Step 2 – Place one-eighth of lettuce along 1 edge of 1 wrapper. Top with one-eighth of carrot, cucumber, and avocado.
Step 3 – Fold in ends. Roll up firmly to enclose filling. Cover with a damp tea towel to prevent roll drying out. Repeat with remaining wrappers, lettuce, carrot, cucumber and avocado.
Serve with homemade dipping sauce.
If you wish to make the rolls more filling, add 1 cup of cooked thin rice noodles to the fillings.
Homemade Dipping Sauce:
1 tbsp fish sauce
1/2 – 1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lemon/lime juice
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp sugar
In a small bowl, mix all together.
Imagine relaxing in your beach kaftan with a gorgeous cocktail like this – and it’s easy to make (don’t wait to get to some exotic resort to enjoy it). Puree 1 1/2 cups of cubed watermelon, 1 cup of tequila, 1/2 cup of lime juice, 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 3 cups of ice in a blender. Divide amongst glasses; garnish with lime and watermelon.
In this photo: Dance, Love, Sing, Live Long Kaftan Dress