Summery Appetizers Even Though its Winter

I love summer! Who doesn't?!

Time to relax and enjoy. Spend time with friends and family. Lounge on the beach doing absolutely nothing but talking to friends, flipping through a magazine and sipping a cocktail (or prosecco!)

Ok, so I know it's only January, I know the new year has just begun. And that besides a couple of days, this winter hasn't really been bad at all....

So why can't I stop thinking about summer??

And, why, for some reason, do I totally skip over looking forward to spring? Spring is fun too, and the weather can be quite nice, especially for running.

But I just want summer! :)

I think it's the ease of summer, the happiness and laziness associated with long summer days with sunshine until 8 o'clock. Or being able to wear a cute sundress with flip flips. Laying in the warm sun, or floating in the waves at the beach....ok, clearly I am just obsessed with summer!

I also don't like to spend my days just waiting for the next season, event or fun time. Though great to have things to look forward too, I hate the feeling of living for the weekend, the next vacation or date. I (try to) look at every day as a fun, exciting day with the ability to achieve goals, learn, relax....whatever, but just enjoy.

I sometimes find this harder in the winter. Living in New England the weather can get very cold, and I'm kind of a wimp, so I don't get out and walk/run as much. But I'll choose to run inside on a treadmill or go to a class instead. That being said, sometimes the winter can seem very long. And cold!!

So....what to do??

How about a little taste of summer?! And do you know what sounds really fun?? A fun indoor party with friends or family, or just your significant other! Turn up the heat! Throw on your favorite summer sundress or shorts. Play some Kenny Chesny on your iPod. And make some delicious 'summery' food!

Here are some summery appetizers to get you started!

Fruit Kabobs!
These are always fun. Make it even better with some yogurt dip. Here's a recipe from Tasteofhome.com

Fruit and Dip
Something about eating fruit always makes me think of summer. And though, it may not be quite as tasty now compared to summer, don't forget about it! Pick your favorite fruit, my friend Jess had some delicious fruit (including strawberries!) for her rocking New Years Eve party. And last summer, Jolene gave me this delicious, easy recipe for fruit dip.

Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip (serves 10)

2 cups Greek Yogurt (340 calories for Fage 2%)
1 package vanilla instant pudding (360 calories)
3 tablespoons sour cream (90 calories)
79 calories per serving

Mix together all ingredients. I used an electric hand mixer to help whip it up.
*It was a bit thick with the 2% Fage, so you could definitely use fat free if you'd like. Which would also lessen the calories.



Cantaloupe and Pineapple with Ham
Cut pineapple and cantaloupe into chunks, wrap with a piece of ham (good ham from the deli), hold together with a toothpick. Especially good if you're like me and like the salty-sweet deal!


Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil
Ok, not as good as summer when you can pick the tomatoes and basil fresh from your garden, but still good!

Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into similar sized sliced. Place mozzarella, then tomato, and top with basil. Drizzle with Balsamic vinegar, or this Balsamic dressing...

Balsamic Dressing
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (10 calories)
1 tablespoon olive oil (119 calories)
2 tsp Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard (10 calories)
Salt and pepper if you want.
I just put everything in a jar and shake it up.

139 calories, this makes more than enough for a big salad, and can easily be multiplied.

Grilled Pepper Poppers
Maybe I can get my husband to switch to these instead of the breaded frozen ones he likes! Enjoy this recipe from CookingLight.com


And here's one of my favorite refreshing cocktails to drink on the beach (or anywhere!)

Bubbly Cucumber Cooler

Cucumber Vodka
Cranberry Lime Seltzer (or plain, or raspberry lime)
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

Fill glass with ice, add vodka (I usually measure with a shot glass), fill with seltzer, add fresh squeezed lime juice. Enjoy!

*If you like it a little more sweet, add a splash of Simply Limeade to top instead!


What are your favorite summer recipes??