The Gift That Keeps on Giving!

Spring is filled with celebrations! Growing up, we had a large extended family so there was always something we were gathering for, be it a birthday, first communion or graduation party. Loved it! Perhaps that’s why I enjoy entertaining so much.

My real excitement comes when I can put on a party with delicious healthy food. Seeing my guests enjoying themselves while eating healthy food is so rewarding. That’s right, healthy food CAN be served at a party. And it can be served at your parties, too.  

Don’t believe me? Take a look at what I have created for YOU! My first healthy entertaining cookbook – Spring Entertaining – filled with my favorite simple, fresh, delicious spring recipes.

The perfect gift!

The great thing about this little book is that not only can you use it for yourself, it also makes a great hostess or teacher gift that literally keeps on giving! These recipes are designed to be used for healthy everyday meals. For example, the edamame hummus can be used as a dip, sandwich spread, or fancy appetizer. Or for a great crowd-pleasing side dish, try the Southwestern Quinoa Salad – featured as part of the Mexican Fiesta menu.  

I love this dish for many reasons — you can make it ahead of time, it’s colorful, and it’s healthy! Quinoa is considered a complete protein, and like the beans, rich in fiber as well as immune boosting vitamins and minerals. And because so many people now suffer from gluten sensitivity, I always like to offer a gluten-free dish — quinoa does it again!

Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Salad Ingredients

• 

  This dish is great for vegan or vegetarian guests

  2 15-oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained

• 3 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups frozen non-GMO corn, thawed
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup red onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Vinaigrette Ingredients

• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs lime juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt, to taste

Directions

Mix all salad ingredients together. In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients.

Pour 1/2 cup of vinaigrette over salad ingredients and combine well. Let prepared salad sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving. Taste for dressing before serving.

Download recipe now!

So if you want to throw a party where everyone is happy, make the simple delicious food from my Spring Entertaining cookbook and share the goodness! And if you are a guest, your hostess will just love your “tasteful” gift 🙂

Happy Celebrating!

Denise