Appetizers

If you crave that popular party mix made with rice cereal, you are going to love this grain-free alternative made with nuts, seeds, and a hint of maple syrup.

Packed with energizing healthy fats, these crackers make great on-the-go snacks.

This popcorn looks like a winter wonderland, and is a great alternative to high-sugar kettle corn or the unhealthy oils found in microwave popcorn.

An easy, healthy, and delicious nut mix for your holiday parties.

This recipe features fresh, roasted pumpkin, which is easy and so much more delicious than canned. You'll make more roasted pumpkin here than you'll need for one loaf; visit ElanasPantry.com for more pumpkin recipes.

The perfect fall dip — and an easy way to get your kids to eat their fruit.

This simple-to-make baked treat from Elana's Pantry delivers on flavor and whole-food goodness.

Quick, yummy, and nutritious — these pizza bites serve as a healthy alternative to store-bought versions.

These gluten-free energy bars from the new book Rocket Fuel are easy to mix up for a pre- or postworkout snack.

Not only do many spices naturally boost your metabolism, they’re also delicious. These spice mixes will make you much more likely to opt for raw veggies when you’re looking for something to munch on in the afternoon.

These bites are a great option for an after-school snack or game-time appetizer.

Enjoy with whole-grain pita or your favorite sliced veggies.

Guacamole is the perfect dip, spread, or topping to use up your avocados whether they’re perfectly ripe or a little mushy.

Use to add flavor to your meals or enjoy as a healthy snack.

Light, fresh, and perfect for hot summer days.

Topped with creamy goat cheese and sweet figs for the perfect appetizer, snack, or breakfast.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with this fun flag pizza.

Most store-bought sauces contain high-fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients and preservatives. Try this healthy, sweet, and spicy sauce instead.

This salsa makes a great tortilla chip dip all on its own, or you can use it to dress any grilled or roasted meat, poultry or seafood. Serve with tortillas and plenty of sangria.

Blackening is a Cajun technique in which food is coated with a medley of spices and cooked over high heat, usually in a cast-iron skillet or on a grill. To give your food big, complex flavors, toast whole spices, then pulverize them in a mortar or spice grinder. This blackened seasoning pairs well with vegetables like the grilled okra seen here. 

Garlic scapes are the tender shoots of the garlic plant that grow up and out of the stem, curling their way toward the sky. Most commercial growers remove the scapes to preserve the energy of the garlic bulbs and increase yield. For home cooks, though, they’re a real treat. Look for scapes at farmers’ markets in early summer. You can chop and prepare them like green beans or slice them thinly and sauté to bring out their delicate aroma. Scapes have a far milder taste than mature garlic.