Delightful Healthy Recipes: THIS NEW YEAR'S EVE, THROW A LOW-CAL PARTY

All set to party but afraid of the calorie intake? Have no worry , make these appetisers and hors d'oeuvres that are tasty yet won't let you pile on the pounds.We've gone past hummus on toast and dressing up that crostini and bruschetta.With home parties for the New Year's Eve being high on most people's agenda, here's are ways to orchestrate a light buffet that your guests are sure to enjoy ...

SERVE MINI FOODS

Bite-sized is the new delicious! Mini food was the top food trend for 2015 so it's all about small soup shooters, mini pitas and sandwiches and shrunken pizzas or pizzettes. Not only do you get to eat the food you like, but it's psychologically comforting as it's a small serving. Says nutritionist Dhvani Desai, “Small food or small plates work well as they curb hunger without letting one pile on the pounds. You feel satiated that you have had the food of your choice minus the calorie guilt.“ But there are two aspects to this. “Make sure you eat the right minis. For instance, baked potatoes laden with a rich dressing won't work. Also, exercise portion control by choosing only one or two mini bites.“ This New Year's Eve, put a whole smorgasbord of these miniatures on the serving tray. We suggest mini burgers and tacos, mini meatballs with spaghetti, mini tarts and even tiny spring rolls. You can also serve mini veggie dips in little shot glasses.

ZERO-ALCOHOL DRINKS: BEING `SOBER CHIC' IS THE NEW COOL

Sober is now being hailed as being `seriously chic', so say hello to non-alcohol drinks made of juices and fermented tea. Chefs are pushing the envelope by adding infusions, syrups and spices too. Margaritas make way for `cucumberitas' and cocktails are now made of fruit, vinegar and brown sugar.

CANAPES AND VEGGIE DIPS

Dips are the centrestage for any party table.
Affirms home caterer Natasha Alpaiwalla, “The advantage of these is that they stay for long and are easy to serve. And there's so much you can do. Simple avocado with yoghurt goes well with carrot and celery sticks or pita triangles. You can also make a dip using nuts, peas and basil with yoghurt.
Another popular bite is baba ganoush made of eggplant and tahina (which has sesame seeds and is thus packed with cal cium).“ For an Indian touch, combine finely chopped roast pepper and pine nuts with grated coconut and coriander. Stir with kari patta and give it a pine nuts vaghar. The all-time favourite -salsa, with tomatoes and lime -is packed with vitamins A and C. Use whole-grain crackers and wheat bread as canapes.n

TRY THIS: TURKISH BEETROOT DIP

Also called Pancar Ezmesi, this healthy dip is made by blending raw baby beetroot, olive oil, Greek-style yoghurt and garlic cloves with pepper. Serve it chilled.

HAVE A SPOON STATION

Always wanted just a mouthful of a particular dish?
Try appetiser spoons. They're being used to serve almost anything from soup to antipasto, salad, salmon and sorbet. In fact, we suggest a complete soup station Try figs and goat cheese or even fruit and let guests pick up a spoon of their choice. You could end it with tiramisu or trifle on a spoon.