Dear Tea Party Girl Readers,

Today I am launching a new article series on Tea Party Girl called ,” Dear Dawnya. ” Each Monday I will post a new blog answering your questions about tea, tea parties and other related questions.  YOUR PARTICIPATION is key. Please submit your questions to my email.  I will attempt to answer all questions at some point in the series.

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Dear Dawnya,

I am interested in  hosting a tea party that has a lighter fare, for those that are trying to watch
their girlish figures or just trying to stay healthy ( its not like we really enjoy wearing the modern day corsets (spanx)) any suggestions or menu ideas?

Thanks,
Tea Loving Spanx Girl

Dear Spanx Girl,

Although many tea recipes are high in calories you can absolutely choose to serve a lighter fare at your next gathering.  Tea is incredibly healthy and serving it with light, fresh food makes sense.  Here are a few recipes that may give you some added inspiration:

 

Spring Salad

1 cup of baby spinich for each guest

2 whole strawberries per guest

1 TBS blueberries per guest

1 TBS thin almond slices per guest

1 tsp parmasan or feta cheese per guest

 

Mix all the ingredients and plate the salad.  This salad will be fresh, wholesome and high in antioxidents.  Be sure your guests do not have nut allergies.  If they do omit the almonds.

 

Poppy Seed Dressing

2 packages Stevia (I recommend NU Stevia available in stores or on Amazon.com)

1/2 Cup White Vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dry ground mustard

1 cup Olive Oil

1 tsp dried onion

1 Tbs. poppy seeds.

 

Mix the ingredients and shake.  Allow to meld flavors in the fridge for 24 hours and serve with the spring salad.  Yum!

 

Chicken Salad Endive Bowls

2 Endive lettuce pieces per guest

1 cup plain fat-free yogurt

1/2 cup dried cranberries, fresh diced apples or sliced grapes

2 tsp. curry powder

Dash of salt

1/4 cup of diced celery

2 cups chopped leftover chicken

 

Set lettuce pieces aside.  Mix all chicken salad ingredients and allow to meld flavors in the fridge for 24 hours.  Using a small scoop, place 1 little scoop of salad on each endive lettuce piece.  Sprinkle the top with dried parsley or chives for color.  Serve on three tiered tray.

 

Simple Low Calorie Scones

1 ½ cups Heart Healthy  Bisquick baking mix

2 -3 Packages Stevia ( I think Nu Stevia works best)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

½ cup blueberries  (dried of fresh)

1 egg

3 Tbs milk

 

Mix all dry ingredients in bowl with fruit.  In small bowl wisk milk and egg together.  Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, fork lightly together.  Use a scoop and place small balls of dough on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.  Using wet fingers pat each ball down till flat on top.  Sprinkle with a bit of sugar and cinnamon if desired.  Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees.  Serve.   (note.  These are not good frozen and reheated so always serve fresh!)

 

 Simple Ideas For Low Cal Desserts

Luna Bars are great options for dessert.  They can be cut bit size and served in mini cupcake papers or you can choose to serve their new Mini Luna Bars.  Flavors include Smores, Chocolate Nut Brownie and Peanut Butter Cookie.  Mini bars are 70 calories each.

Sugar Free Chocolates are available from Russell Stovers  in small green bags at the grocery store.  My personal favorite is the peanut butter chocolate crunch and the chocolate mints.

Weight Watchers sells boxes of Lemon, Carrot and Chocolate Creme cakes that can be cut into cubes and served in a variety of cute ways on a tray.

Fresh Fruit Kabobs are a fun summer option.  Serve with a side of frozen vanilla yogurt.

 

I hope these ideas inspire you and your friends that tea and health go hand in hand.  Thanks for your question.

Warmly,

Dawnya

P.S.  Do my readers have suggestions?  Post your ideas or recipes for a low fat tea party in the comment box.