Smart Super Bowl Snacking
Photo Credit: California Walnut Board
Walnut, Black Olive, and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Spice up your vegetable platter with Mediterranean flavor while taking care of your heart. Health professionals suggest a Mediterranean diet supplemented by olive oil, fruit, vegetables, and nuts, especially walnuts, can be smart for your cardiovascular system. Serve this savory spread with fresh veggies, whole wheat crackers, or pita bread. The amount of oil you will need to puree the mixture to a spreadable consistency will depend upon how much oil is in the olives and the tomatoes.
1 cup oil-cured black olives, pitted
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, in oil, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons tomato oil from jar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Coarsely chop olives and place in a blender or food processor with walnuts, tomato, tomato oil, and fresh thyme. Blend or process until mixture is well mixed. Slowly add olive oil, pureeing or processing until mixture reaches desired consistency for spreading.
Makes about 3 cups — 2 tablespoons/serving, 24 servings
| ORIGINAL | SMART RECIPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Pesto Cheese Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Walnut, Black Olive, and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread | |
| Calories | 140 | 80 |
| Total Fat | 12g | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 0mg |
| Sodium | 260mg | 160mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3g | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | <1g |
| Protein | 1g | 7g |
*Source for original: Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary edition, copyright 2006
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