A Taste Adventure for the Holidays

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Dec 15, 2011) - (Family Features) Globe-trotting may not be on your holiday agenda, but you can get inspired and bring a variety of flavors to your holiday table. With these ideas, you can take party guests on a taste adventure around the world - without ever leaving home.

Dips and Spreads -- Set out a selection of veggies to dip, and broaden your food horizon with a selection of breads such as naan, toasted grain breads and pita wedges.

• Flavored hummus -- Update the classic favorite with a delicious roasted pine nut hummus, or please the classic crowd with spinach and artichoke flavor. Companies like Sabra offer dozens of options.
• Greek yogurt-based dips -- Greek yogurt is thick, creamy and delicious, and makes an excellent base for dips. It can be mixed with sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, spinach and artichoke -- the flavor possibilities are endless, and it's a healthy alternative to traditional sour cream based dips.
• Salsa -- Salsa is always a favorite. Freshen things up with home-made or store-bought refrigerated salsas. Offer a selection from sweet to spicy.

Small Plates -- Help your guests discover a variety of fresh and delicious dishes by setting out an array of small plates. Allow people to taste many different options and find new favorites.

• Dolmas -- Grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions, currants, pine nuts, mint and spices. They can often be found in the deli section of the grocery store.
• Empanadas -- Spicy, meat-filled little pastries that can be dipped in your favorite salsa.
• Spiced Nuts -- Roast some almonds or walnuts and toss with olive oil, a little salt, a flavorful herb and spice mixture. Try bold flavors like rosemary, cayenne or aleppo pepper.
• Mini vegetable pizzas -- Top grilled pita bread with hummus and a variety of grilled vegetables with crumbled feta or drizzled olive oil. Slice into quarters so guests can enjoy different versions.
• Bruschetta -- The delicious tomato and basil flavors of Bruschetta on top of toasted French baguette slices is a crowd favorite. Prepared Bruschetta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator to make prep quick and easy.

Try this simple Hummus Deviled Eggs recipe, too. You can let guests serve themselves, or set out individual servings in shot glasses or tasting spoons.

To get more adventurous recipes for your holiday party, visit www.sabra.com.

Hummus Deviled Eggs

6		eggs
1/3		cup, plus 1 tablespoon Sabra hummus
2		tablespoons olive oil
1/4		teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4		teaspoon salt
3		teaspoons relish
		Paprika for garnish

Place eggs in pot and cover with cold water. Bring to boil over high heat. Turn off heat; let sit for 14 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon; run cold water over eggs. Cool eggs 10 minutes.

Remove shells when cool. Cut in half; scoop out yolks and reserve in bowl of food processor.

Add humus, olive oil, pepper and salt to yolks; puree in food processor. Add relish; pulse 3 to 5 times to incorporate.

Put yolks and mixture in piping bag. (Use tall glass and fold edges of piping bag over glass to make it easier to transfer mixture.) Pipe about 1 teaspoon of mixture into each egg white half; sprinkle with paprika.

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