Need to bring a snack to pass at your next party?

There are no rules that say a “dish to pass,” has to pass on being healthy, too.

Try bringing a nutritious dish with less calories, such as fresh fruit or a vegetable platter with a low-fat dip. And don’t forget that substituting yogurt for mayonnaise is a great low-fat alternative.

That way you’re guaranteed at least one “safe” item at the party.

Try this easy heart healthy snack mix you can throw together in a pinch.

Low-Cholesterol Snack Mix

Ingredients:

• 5 cups dry cereal squares (rice, wheat, corn, oat/corn combination in any combination desired)
• 2 cups unsalted pretzel sticks
• 1/4 cup fat-free margarine
• 2 teaspoons low-sodium Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon celery powder or flakes
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup raw peanuts or unsalted nuts

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 275 F.
• In a large bowl combine cereal and pretzel sticks.
• In a small saucepan, melt margarine over low heat. Add remaining ingredients except nuts, stirring well. Stir into cereal mixture.
• Add nuts and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a shallow roasting pan.
• Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes.

Nutritional information per 1/2 cup serving: 89 calories; 2 g fat (2 g saturated); 2 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 121 mg sodium.

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