Naughty & nice

I never know what to bring to a party. This year's family Christmas Eve gathering was no exception. On the one hand, I have been obsessively making cupcakes since I bought my new pastry bag kit. On the other hand — like most other people — I have been overindulging this holiday season.

The solution for me was to make little, nearly guilt-free cupcakes and bring a low fat veggie dip with vegetable crudite.

First the cupcakes. Ever since I found naturally dyed red, green and white jellybeans at Trader Joe's I have been wanting to use them for holiday cupcake decoration. Since the jellybeans are flavoured, I didn't want to get too fancy with my cupcakes, so I opted for simple vanilla. I searched online for a low fat, oil-free recipe and sort of winged it. Once I made the vanilla frosting, I thought why not have chocolate as well?

The veggie dip was simple — starting with one of my all-time favourtie ingredients: Fage 0% Greek yogurt. I added spices, lots of seasoning, a grated clove of garlic, and a touch of mayonaise. Then I thawed and squeezed the liquid out of some frozen organic spinach and gently folded it in. I peeled, chopped and arrange a colourful assortment of organic veggies, and my appetizer was done.

Now what to bring to the next party....?