Kit Davis, head chef at The Wellington in Boscastle, is passionate about healthy eating. We asked him for his top tips for tasty party nibbles without the calories.
“Especially when accompanied by a drink or two, it is all too easy to over-indulge in celebration and party nibbles but treats don’t always have to be unhealthy. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or a personal best on a run, here are some ideas that will not only tick the treat box, but will also make you healthier and leave you feeling great.
Try delicious arancini as a great slow release carb – shallow fried Italian rice balls but use brown rice cooked until soft, add some herbs, garlic, lemon zest and beaten egg, form into balls and coat with brown breadcrumbs.
For a vegetarian option, a charred red pepper dip with some crudités and warmed pitta bread always looks great. Pan-fry peppers until dark, cling film to steam, peel, de-seed and blitz with garlic and rapeseed oil (contains less saturated fat than any other oil). Alternatively, simply skewer some of your favourite vegetables, make a quick garlic oil and drizzle and grill. Asparagus is great grilled from raw, dipped in a bit of low fat lemon mayo.
If you’re looking to impress, try smoked salmon laid out on cling film with an avocado and lime purée on top: as simple as crushing ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic and salt and rolling up into a roulade, refrigerating and slicing into rings. Accompany this with venison carpaccio – so simple but with less than 2% fat and packed full of protein. Venison with a drizzle of reduced balsamic and a couple of capers is a guilt-free delight.
A celebration should be enjoyed, and nibbles such as these will enable you to do this and still feel healthy.”
www.wellingtonhotelboscastle.com