Fill ‘game day’ with some healthier eating options

Have you ever noticed most party and snacky foods are a generic boring brown color? The best way to add excitement to your buffet area is to add fruits and vegetables for color, flavor, texture and nutrition.

Whether you are planning food for the “big game” (you know the one being played for the 58th time with Usher as the big halftime show), a birthday party, gathering for the Daytona 500 or any other reason you need to have a gathering, here are some great ways to up your veggie game:

—You can never go wrong with classic veggie and fruit trays, now better known as charcuterie boards. Think about what fruits and vegetables you can include that hit every color of the rainbow. Not all items need to be raw. Grilled veggies like asparagus and zucchini spears can be a great addition.

—Consider adding stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer — even filling them with “pizza” toppings.

—Provide lighter options of salsa, hummus and guacamole to balance out the creamy and cheesy dips. You also could try other bean-based dips such as a white-bean dip.

—Get sassy with salsas. Basic salsa is a good start to adding vegetables. Add some sass to your store-bought salsa by adding canned black beans, corn, diced jalapeno and fresh cilantro. Really want to try something new? Try a fruit salsa. Dicing apples (tossed with lemon juice), strawberries, kiwis and raspberries tossed with a little fruit jam will give you a bright tart-sweet salsa.

—For your main dishes, include plant-forward soups, casseroles or chilies that feature plenty of canned, frozen or fresh vegetables and beans.

—Including fruit-based desserts provides balance to the heavier, sugary treats.

Try this recipe for white bean dip from Iowa State Extension:

1 can (15 ounces) white beans (cannellini, great northern or navy), drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons oil (canola or olive)

2 small cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried herb (basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary)

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Serve right away or refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days.

How can you offer more healthy plant food options at your next group gathering? Providing lighter and healthier options lets everyone choose to eat what they want and often feel better about it when they leave.

Kate Shumaker is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be reached at 330-674-3015. Like and follow on Facebook @OSUEXTHolmes or visit athttps://holmes.osu.edu.