(BPT) - Summertime is winding down and it’s time to squeeze every last ounce of fun out of this relaxing season. What better way to do that than to plan a party to get family and friends together!
Get ready for more fun in the sun with this thoughtfully paired list of summer party themes combined with deliciously nutritious, almond-inspired recipes, which are approved by registered dietitian Toby Smithson, MS, RDN, CDE. Almonds are the healthy* sidekick needed to keep the energy up when the heat is on while making the most of these last warm weather days.
http://www.almonds.com/consumers/recipe-center/spiced-chocolate-almonds
There’s something about watching a movie under the warm, summer evening sky with a bag of popcorn that doesn’t get much better … but maybe it does! For your next viewing party, kick things up a notch by adding these spicy yet sweet Spiced Chocolate Almonds to your popcorn bag. Toby agrees, mentioning, “Almonds add a boost of nutrition to movie snacks, where oftentimes there isn’t much. Adding a serving of almonds provides good fats, a good source of fiber (4 grams), and 6 grams of plant protein.”
Potluck Picnic
http://www.almonds.com/consumers/recipe-center/almond-milk-dressing-spicy-zucchini
Who doesn’t love a potluck and an excuse to get together in the sun? This Almond Milk Dressed, Spicy Zucchini Noodles recipe takes all the guessing and hard work out of what to whip up — and the best news is, unlike pasta, it doesn’t require any heat to make in the kitchen!
Summer Tailgating
https://www.almonds.com/consumers/recipes/stuffed-mini-peppers-with-sliced-almonds
Let’s get something straight: Tailgating isn’t only for the fall. There is plenty of baseball, soccer, tennis and more being played during these hot months to celebrate with a spread of yummy food and friends. And what better way to watch than with a nutritious twist on a tailgating classic — serve up these Stuffed Mini Peppers with Sliced Almonds, which keeps the sodium and good fats in check, and the nutrients and taste up. You’ll make these a recurring menu item for your year-round tailgating events.
Beach or Pool Party
https://www.almonds.com/consumers/recipes/paul-almond-trail-mix
When getting together beach or poolside, it’s important for everyone to stay fueled and hydrated while the unforgiving sun beats down. And sometimes it’s too hot and too bulky to pack a large cooler for all the refreshments needed for a big group. Toby says, “Keep snacking easy and tasty while sneaking in nutrition — like with this Almond Trail Mix. Almonds are a great go-to for me because of the nutrients they pack and they can stand up in any kind of weather.”
Summer Camping Party
https://www.almonds.com/consumers/recipe-center/apple-almond-butter-bagels
A weekend in the great outdoors is a nice way to reset and breathe in fresh air — but planning meals can get a little tricky, especially with a group of people. Simplify breakfast by packing foods that travel well and can be easily assembled on site or made ahead of time. Keep the group’s energy up to better enjoy all of the camping activities with these Apple Almond Butter “Bagels.” They’re not only yummy, but can be easily stored with your camping gear and will be ready to eat as soon as the sun rises.
Outdoor Summer Game Day
http://www.almonds.com/consumers/recipe-center/peach-basil-pops
Be it competitive or leisurely, there are endless options for outdoor games, sports and contests to organize for a group of friends and family — see a few ideas below. Just make sure there are endless ways to stay hydrated and fueled through all the hot summer fun. These Peach Basil Pops made with almond milk will hit the spot!
- Beanbag Toss
- Watermelon Carving Contest
- Water Balloon Throwing
- Hula Hoop Contest
- Backyard Twister
- Darts
- Frisbee Throwing
No-Bake Dessert Party
https://www.almonds.com/consumers/recipe-center/traditional-hispanic-fruit-dessert
This party theme is always a huge hit — when the temperatures are pushing the limits, the last thing anyone wants is to turn on an oven or burner to prep a dish. There are countless options to choose from in this no-bake dessert category, and this Traditional Fruit Dessert should be at the top of the list to try out. And while this treat cools you down, it also adds nutrition with the chopped almonds and fruit throughout.
*Good news about fat. U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that the majority of your fat intake be unsaturated. One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat.
