Who doesn’t love a three day weekend? That’s right, Memorial Day is here. It’s time to crank up the BBQ and make those calls for potluck dishes, right? Well, maybe not. If it’s your turn to host this patriotic shindig, considering giving the menu a healthy farmers market theme. Bring on summer’s harvest with foods that satisfy without the unwanted calories and fat. However, don’t spend all your time in the kitchen-begin your menu planning with a trip to the farmers market.
A Healthy Fizzy Drink
- Carbonated Water
- Fruit Juice
- A natural sweetener like Stevia
Directions: Fill the glass with ice and then pour in juice about ¾ full. Top off the water with juice. Add a natural sweetener and you’ve got a healthy drink!
If you want to mingle instead of cooking, make these healthy appetizers ahead of time. You need something to dip, right? How about hummus?
Farmers Market Baba Ganoush
You’ll need plenty of veggies for this recipe-yummy!
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Lemon
- Cilantro
- Tahini
- Garlic
- Olive oil
This one is so easy; you’ll make it all the time.
Directions: Slice the eggplant in half and drizzle the meaty side with olive oil. Bake the eggplant on 350 for 30 minutes. Scoop out the eggplant and put it in a food processor. Add a fresh tablespoon of lemon juice, a few spoons of shredded cilantro and garlic powder. Drizzle in oil until you have a smooth texture dip. Slice cucumbers, celery and carrots into long pieces. Serve them with the Baba Ganoush.
On the Grill
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (one for each guest)
- 1/4 cup garlic olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons tumeric
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley
Directions: Slice off any fat from the chicken. Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with garlic oil, juice, turmeric and salt and pepper. Use a fork to turn the chicken in the mixture several times. It is best to allow the chicken to marinate a few hours before you place it on the grill. Grill the breasts for 5 minutes on each side. Pierce the chicken with a fork. The juices should run clear. Remove the meat from the grill and allow it to rest for five minutes before serving. Sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley.
