Good indulgences

Nutrition Notes

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Keeping your holiday buffet healthy doesn't doom you to celery stalks and carrot sticks. There are plenty of options that are indulgent without leaving your guests feeling buffet-grazing remorse.

Shrimp are always popular and a healthy choice (unless you wrap them in bacon, of course). They are inexpensive, come ready to serve, and are low in both fat and calories.

Healthy dips such as hummus are great, but even sinful choices like a creamy blue cheese dip can be made better by avoiding the chips and serving them with veggie sticks.

Fresh fruit is also filling and appealing, especially when you pair it with a little bit of something that's rich or salty (or both). The classics are generous wedges of melon wrapped in prosciutto and slices of fresh pear topped with a sliver of stilton cheese.

If you're looking for something sweet, you can offer dark chocolate strawberries or dried fruits dipped in dark chocolate.

Another option is to consider small portions of a favorite entrée. For instance, a slice of lean, pepper-crusted beef tenderloin served with a dab of horseradish sauce or a drizzle of au jus is both tasteful and satisfying.

— Jim Romanoff, The Associated Press