This Friday marks the beginning of one of our favorite sporting competitions — the Winter Olympics [1] in Sochi, Russia. If you're gathering a few friends to watch any of the feats or festivities, a table full of healthy, comforting appetizers is exactly what you need. These delicious Winter appetizers and drinks are perfect for fueling you as you cheer on your country's top athletes.
Photo: Jenny Sugar
Roasted Brussels Sprout Kebabs
Skewering roasted brussels sprouts onto a kebab elevates this Winter side favorite to a fun, party-worthy app. Our healthy brussels sprouts recipe [2] would work perfectly for this simple presentation. Bonus points if you use cheery tinseled skewers as shown.
Source: Instagram user djblatner [3]
Mini Frozen Yogurt Cupcakes
Show your support for Team USA (if that's who you're rooting for, of course) by gobbling up a few of these red, white, and blue mini frozen yogurt cupcakes [4] — don't worry, they're only 30 calories each!
Photo: Jenny Sugar
Gravlax Bites
Omega-3s, whole grains, fresh herbs — what's not to love? Show your love for Scandinavia's Winter Olympic athletes with an elegant gravlax (cured salmon) appetizer [5].
Photo: Nicole Perry
Healthy Hot Chocolate Bar
Get your living room ski-cabin-ready with a hot cocoa bar — instead of piles and piles of marshmallows, opt for some of these these surprising and healthy mix-ins [6] from Self. Adding a sprinkle of cayenne, smoked olive oil, or real mint leaves, for example, will up the nutrient factor of your warming cup of cocoa.
Source: Instagram user e_keen13 [7]
Spiked Apple Cider
For something a little stronger, steer clear of high-calorie hot buttered rum and go for a healthier drink instead. This spiked apple cider [8] hits the spot.
Source: Flicker user browneyedbaker [9]
Buckwheat Blinis
Get your fix while celebrating the host country by opting for buckwheat blinis, topped with a fresh yogurt topping. Try this recipe from The New York Times: buckwheat blinis with caviar and yogurt topping [10].
Source: Flickr user sackerman519 [11]
Creamy Zucchini Boats
Don't these little creamy zucchini boats [12] remind you of bobsleds? Plus, at only 25 calories each, they will hit your guests' Friday night pizza cravings without all the grease.
Photo: Jenny Sugar
Lightened-Up Goat Cheese Spread
What better way to celebrate snow-capped mountains than with fluffy, lightened up (and oh-so-snow-like) goat cheese and herb spread [13]. Substituting a little Greek yogurt for some of the chèvre makes this 53-calorie dip a healthy winner.
Photo: Jaime Young