Holiday Recipe

With all the holiday parties around the corner there will be endless fun foods offered. From cookies to breads, and alcohol... these discretionary calories add up quickly!:) In order to avoid the overly hungry feeling, and lower the temptation to overeat on discretionary calories, let’s add a healthy and festive appetizer into the spread. We all know it’s a busy time of year, so this recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Hummus Christmas Trees: Servings: 24 trees

• Whole wheat pitas

• Cooking spray

• ½ cup fresh cilantro

• ¼ cup fresh parsley

• ½ cup regular hummus

• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds or substitute with pieces of red bell pepper

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 450°F. 2. Coat pita with cooking spray and bake on baking sheet for 6 minutes/until golden brown. Allow to cool. 3. Finely chop the cilantro and parsley and mix together. 4. Spread each pita with hummus and top with chopped herbs. Press these on so they are sure to adhere. 5. Cut each pita into 8 wedges and place pomegranate seeds or diced bell pepper on trees as ornaments.

This is sure to be a fun fan favorite! And better yet, it includes a whole grain, healthy fat, and fruit or veggie. Enjoy and happy holidays!

Co-author: Ciana Bonfiglio