Easy, Healthy Entertaining

(Family Features) - Hosting a fabulous party doesn't have to include all of the typical calorie-laden, unhealthy food and drink options. These days, it's easier than ever to create great tasting dishes that also bring good nutrition to the party and your guests.

Here are some appetizing ideas to get you started:

A cheese platter - Offer a wide variety of cheese slices and chunks available for nibbling. They're flavorful and filling, so a little goes a long way.

Fresh fruit - A gorgeous selection of colorful fruit will help satisfy sweet cravings without all the calories.

Hummus - Set out several flavors of hummus and some pita bread and flatbreads for a savory, protein-rich appetizer.

Caprese salad - This Italian delight made of sliced low-fat mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with a little olive oil, will satisfy your guests as they enjoy this delicious snack that's also good for them.

Spiced nuts - Nuts have good fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Set out bowls of roasted nuts flavored with chili and lime, wasabi, garlic or - as a sweet surprise - cocoa.

Create your own original dips and spreads - like a delicious avocado spread or a flavored, low-fat cream cheese dip - to serve alongside whole grain flatbreads.

Mini sweets - Instead of huge pieces of fattening cheesecake or carrot cake, make lighter versions and bake them up mini-sized. A few bites of deliciousness are all your happy guests will need.

These recipes from Wasa are perfect for entertaining a large crowd - or even if you're just looking for some new snack ideas - and feature new Wasa Thin & Crispy Flatbreads. The thin whole grain crackers have a delicious taste and are the perfect healthier alternative to buttery crackers that provide a satisfying crunch. Plus, the topping possibilities are endless- think of them as a blank canvas for creating countless varieties of party appetizers and every day meals that are uniquely your own. For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.wasa-usa.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wasa.

Chef Dave offers these tips for getting the most from the beef you have on hand.

Know your cut:

Tenderizing marinades are very helpful for steaks such as top round, flank, and eye round. When tenderizing, marinate for at least six hours but no more than 24 hours.
Tender cuts such as tenderloin or T-Bone only need to be marinated for 15 minutes to two hours to soak up the flavor.

Open up the pantry: The ingredients you need to easily mix up a marinade are often ones you have on hand.

A tenderizing marinade contains acidic ingredients as a base, like lemon or lime juice, vinegars or wine.
A marinade or rub that's meant to add flavor often uses oil, mustard or soy sauce as a base.
Allow 1/4 to 1/2 cup of marinade for each one to two pounds of beef.

Mix it up: Make your own dry rubs by combining your favorite herbs, spices and other dry seasonings from your pantry.

Apply a rub for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
Rubs not only add flavor, but they can also help seal in juices and form a delicious crust.

For some mealtime inspiration and more on beef marinades, recipes, storage guidelines and cooking tips, visit BeefItsWhatsforDinner.com.

* The Praxi Group: Beef Flavor Preference Study, October 2005, Funded by The Beef Checkoff

Flatbread with Tomato, Feta and Cucumber Recipe

Easy, Healthy Entertaining