Healthy Menu for a Crowd

Last Thursday we hosted the Ladies Night Out Health & Beauty Event. The evening was filled with great information and relaxation; the building was filled with lovely ladies and boisterous laughter; and Team Odom was filled with appreciation for the community that surrounds us.

It is perfect timing to share the healthy menu for a crowd that Team Odom whipped up. The menu was quick and easy and all the dishes were made with healthy, whole food ingredients.

Here is the healthy menu that will help you feed a crowd this holiday season.

Mixed Green Salad with Shredded Chicken, Apples, Walnuts, Feta and Dijon Balsamic Dressing

Tomato, Avocado and Mozzarella Bruschetta on Whole Grain Baguette

Healthified Deviled Eggs

Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli and Celery with Hummus

Mixed Fruit

Healthified Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Water Infused with Lemon and Cucumber

Mixed Green Salad with Shredded Chicken, Apples, Walnuts, Feta

1. Buy ingredients
   1. You can buy a rotisserie chicken to shred without the skin or you can cook several chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
2. Slice apples, shred chicken, prep other toppings.
3. Assemble the salad and toss.

Dijon Balsamic Dressing

1. Add 1 part balsamic vinegar with 2 parts extra virgin olive oil to 1-2 spoonful’s of an all natural Dijon mustard.
   1. Make the quantities match how much dressing you need. Example: ¼ c balsamic vinegar + ½ c olive oil + 2 big spoonful’s Dijon will cover enough salad for 30-40 people.
2. Mix in a vitamix or other blender to emulsify effectively.

Tomato, Avocado and Mozzarella Bruschetta on Whole Grain Baguette

1. Slice grape tomatoes (or low sodium canned if necessary), dice avocado and cube mozzarella
2. Mix with a little olive oil and fresh basil
3. Toast slices of bread and spoon the salad on top.

Healthified Deviled Eggs

1. Hardboil eggs.
2. Shell eggs. TIP: Did you know that hard boiling slightly older eggs with a little baking soda makes shelling much easier?.
3. Slice eggs in half and scoop yolks out into a bowl.
4. Mix egg yolks with plain Greek yogurt and spice with a little mustard, garlic salt, onion powder and pepper. You can add a little olive oil based mayo if you prefer.
5. Spoon or pipe the yolk filling into the egg centers.

1. Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli and Celery with Hummus
2. Easy peasy. There is no harm in purchasing a veggie tray and swapping out the processed ranch dip for hummus or other healthified dip. You can also buy the raw veggies in bulk and assemble them on a tray.

Quick homemade hummus

1. Add tahini and a little lemon juice to a food processor and mix first. Then add olive oil and your flavorings like garlic, cumin, salt, red pepper, etc and mix. Mix in rinsed chickpeas and add a teeny bit of water at a time to get your desired consistency.

Mixed Fruit

1. No brainer. Healthy, makes the table beautiful and it’s delicious. You DO NOT NEED TO ADD SUGAR TO FRUIT. Pretty please.

Healthified Chocolate Cheesecake Bites: Makes 1 ice cube tray

Filling Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 Cup Cream Cheese
• 3 Tbsp Agave, Honey or Maple Syrup
• 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Chocolate Coating Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Virgin Coconut Oil
• 1/2 Cup Natural Cocoa
• 1/4 cup pure Maple Syrup, Honey or Agave

Directions:

2. Blend Cheesecake ingredients until smooth in your food processor and set aside.
3. In a separate food processor bowl blend Chocolate Coating ingredients until smooth.
4. Spray a pre-chilled, clean ice cube tray with a healthy oil.
5. Using a spoon pour the chocolate into each ice cube mold.
6. Fill each ice cube mold with cheesecake filling.
7. Top with a layer of chocolate coating.
8. Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours.
9. Remove from freezer and set on the counter for a minute or two.
10. Gently twisting the ice cube tray, as you would to remove ice cubes, remove each cheesecake bite and place on a plate.

Water Infused with Lemon and Cucumber

1. Slice lemons and or cucumbers
2. Place slices in a pitcher with ice and water. Let sit.