“Appetizers are the little things you keep eating until you lose your appetite.”  Joe Moore

What changes will you be making in your self-care in this upcoming new year?

He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.  (Ps. 22:8: NIV)

I’ve never really done much with appetizers, dips, and spreads.  I know there are many cooks who focus on these little party teasers, developing lavish and beautiful recipes.  Personally, I didn’t want more “things” to eat.  As long as I’ve been on the road of healthful eating, I’ve concentrated on making the meal a tasteful experience.  At gatherings with lots of “before the meal” treats, it’s very easy to overeat.  Folks are standing around chit-chatting and popping in the sausage balls and cheese and crackers at record speed.  Once the meal is served, people may already have a semi-full stomach.  With more food and courses available to eat, people can easily eat too much.

However, a simple dip or spread with fresh vegetables can be a healthy addition to a nice meal.  Today’s recipe comes from our dear friend, Karen Cochran.  Karen and her husband, Evans are both retired school teachers.  (They retired at young ages!)  Now, they travel the countryside in their 5th Wheel, jaunting from one Blue Grass Festival to the next.  Karen plays the bass and Evans plays the Dobro, (a beautiful, steel guitar held on the lap).  I’ll let you know when they cut their first recording.  It’ll be great!

This salmon spread is easy to make and very healthful.  I found red sockeye salmon in a can from Natural Sea in our local grocery store, in the health food section.  It’s wild, premium Alaskan salmon.  Be choosy about the salmon you buy.  Don’t buy farm-raised salmon.  Fresh lemon juice and horseradish give this spread a great flavor.  Feel free to add more horseradish if you enjoy the taste.  I’ve served this spread with crudités. Don’t be fooled by this fancy word.  Crudités (pronounced CROO-da-tays) are fresh vegetables such as baby carrots, red pepper strips, cauliflower, and broccoli.  Whole grain crackers are also good with the salmon spread.  However, finding whole grain crackers without partially hydrogenated oils and preservatives isn’t always easy.  And one can tend to over eat crackers much easier than fresh vegetables.  When was the last time you said, “Oh, I ate too many carrots?”

Prayer Power
Father, we are so grateful for 2008 and for a new year about to commence.  May our lives honor You in all that we do and say.

Link of the Day
Sassy Salmon Spread

Blessings on you as you enjoy a healthy appetizer.