Greek Feta Yogurt Snack Bites are a low carb tasty appetizer that can be made in less than 15 minutes
For the first time in ages we have sun and partially blue skies in Hong Kong. It is a gorgeous day.
My hair is naturally curly and it can be used as a barometer for humidity. Who needs one of those fancy outdoor/indoor barometers when you have Bam's Hair. Today, I predict 100 percent humidity and my hair is getting bigger by the minute. I do not want to scare anyone, so I promise only pictures of food and scenery today.
When it is hot and humid, the last thing you want to be doing is starting up the oven and getting yourself all hot and bothered in the kitchen. I have the perfect little easy appetizer for your guests this weekend that you can make ahead and will keep you cool. Greek feta yogurt snack bites are cool, crisp and a little zesty.
Greek Feta Yogurt Snack Bites are the perfect Summertime Appetizer
These little make ahead appetizers are just perfect for an outdoor gatherings this spring and summer. They look festive and elegant. You do not need to tell your guests this appetizer took less than 15 minutes to prepare, that will be our little secret. Greek Feta Yogurt Snack Bites are gluten-free, low carb and diabetic friendly. Cardiac friendly if you leave off the bacon. If you have extra feta cheese, you are going to love our Feta Stuffed Mushrooms for a delicious appetizer too.
I do not know about you but it seems like we are always getting low on groceries with my two hoover vacuum cleaners (teenage boys) living in close proximity to the kitchen. I do not buy lots of snacks, and if I do, they evaporate into thin air even before I have the chance to unload the rest of the groceries. You would think that when you are having last-minute guests you would at least have few crackers and maybe a little wedge of cheese around, nope. What about a chips and salsa, nope? How about just a couple of handfuls of mom's gluten-free pretzels? Well those little buggers ate the last of those too!
So off I was to forage in the kitchen. Well we did have some feta cheese but no crackers. I had some natural plain greek yogurt, however nothing to put any dip on. There is no way I as about to fire up the oven in this heat or walk up to the local grocery store and melt. I dug deep into my veggie drawer and low in behold, there lies my answer.
I found the perfect vessel for transporting a lovely dip from your plate to your mouth; cucumber and pepper pyramids. Now with that all sorted, how do you get teenagers to eat anything healthy. Kids eat anything when it is covered with one of their main food group-bacon. Now if you are vegan, watching your sodium intake or watching your diet then by all means just leave off the bacon and maybe add some roasted pecans or almonds instead.
Greek Feta Yogurt Snack Bites will be the perfect party starter for a gathering out on the balcony this weekend. My dear friend Cecilia from http://thekitchensgarden.com/2013/05/28/new-back-door-step-pictures-from-around-the-world/ is hosting a little challenge that we all take a picture of our "gardens" or yards to share. Well my "garden area" is only about 4 feet by 12 feet but it really all about what you do in these spaces makes them special. Our "garden" is a balcony that overlooks the China Sea. We call this our million dollar view and we are very blessed.
When you have a view like this, there is no need to go out. We grill, we chill, we host, my kids love to study on the balcony. (Well maybe my boys don't love to study but they sure do love the balcony.) This week is final exams for my boys and I caught one of the boys studying for his exam, sitting on the balcony, with his science book on his chest and his eyes closed. I sure hope learning by transdermal osmosis is working for him.
The evening is my favourite time to be outside. Every night, the sky is a different colour and we have the most amazing sun sets. You know the reason why we have such pretty sunsets is because of all of that pollution. I hope that one day Hong Kong can make large strides in cleaning the air and environment.
In the morning, we always have a haze...the mist...and can hear the boats tooting their fog horns. In the afternoon, you can see cargo carriers, sampans, sailboats and ferries crossing the waters. Sometimes, we can even see US naval carriers passing by. In the evening around 8pm HK time we can see fireworks on Lantau Island's Disney Land in the distance. I have seen boat parades, boat races and even boats sinking.
There is never a dull moment out on this busy port city. I think however some of the most interesting views are just right before or after a storm when the clouds look magical and like they have a personality all of their own.
Do you have 15 minutes? Then come along and learn how to make this easy Greek Feta Yogurt Snack appetizer Bites...
More Delicious Easy Appetizers
Summer Rolls with Chili Dipping Sauce
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Greek Feta Yogurt Snack Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt
plain (I used a natural greek yogurt- you want it to be thick) - ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic chives
chopped (can use regular chives) - 1 teaspoon mint leaves
chopped fresh - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon thyme
dried - ⅛ teaspoon marjoram
dried - ⅛ teaspoon oregano
dried - salt and pepper
to taste - 1 cucumber
English seedless cucumbers (or variety of choice) - 5 baby bell peppers red (you can also use sweet Italian long peppers. I actually used a Chinese variety that is not as hot as a chili pepper but not as sweet and mild as a bell pepper)
- 5 slices bacon (chopped and sautéed until golden brown)- optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Greek Feta Yogurt dip: In a medium bowl combine greek natural yogurt, feta cheese, garlic chives, mint leaves, garlic powder, lemon juice, thyme, marjoram, oregano, salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside in refrigerator. This step can be done up to 48 hours in advance.
- Wash and slice cucumbers into ¼ inch thick rounds. Wash and cut baby red sweet bell peppers into ¼ thick rounds. Fry the bacon and set aside (optional). This step can be done up to 24 hours in advance.
- Assembly: Place the cucumbers flat on serving platter, set up the sweet baby red bell peppers on top of the cucumbers. Fill the inside of the baby red bell peppers with a dollop of Greek Feta Yogurt dip. Garnish with bacon if desired.
- Eat and Enjoy!
Shumaila says
These sound so refreshing Bobbi! And perfect to keep yourself on track with your efforts to have a bikini ready body (which I'll never have, but I'll always strive for). The view looks spectacular too!
Kathleen Richardson says
I'm trying to guess what floor you're on. Looks like you're way up high, BAM!!! Beautiful views that go naturally with the beautiful foods you serve. The women your boys (someday) marry will have to be topnotch cooks to keep up with you.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Kathleen we are very high up on the 45th floor, and when we first moved here I was petrified to go out on the balcony and now we live out there. You are so sweet. Wishing you a super weekend and take care, BAM
ChgoJohn says
Buona Sera, BAM! I feel sorry for today's recipe. As good as your snack bites look and tasty as they sound, they were far overshadowed by your fantastic balcony views. How spectacular! It's a wonder you ever leave your home.
Good luck to your boys with their finals. I don't wish to shatter a boy's dreams but, having fallen asleep many times while using a text book as a pillow, I think it safe to say that transdermal osmosis is still just a theory. 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Gratzie John, I think my boys want to make sure that their hypothesis is well tested before they finalise their scientific deduction. Once again I found son number 2, "Secondo", sleeping on his business book last night. This book is very thick and hard I don't think much in the way of transdermal osmosis has happened during the wee hours of the night. Wishing you a super weekend. BAM
Choc Chip Uru says
What afresh and healthy mix of ingredients my friend 🙂
Thank you for sharing your scenery, it is quite incredible!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
dianeskitchentable says
Those look marvelous & of course you had me sold as soon as I saw the bacon. You have fantastic views from your balcony - I'd never be in the kitchen, just sit out there all day. I think you son is trying that same concept of putting the book under the pillow at night and I've heard that it works.
We've got the humid here too! This has been one of the strangest springs in a long time. At the beginning of last week I had the heat on to get the chill out of the house in the morning & the temps only went into the 60's during the day. Now, the past 2 days we've shot up into the 90's with plenty of humidity but by the end of next week we're supposed to be back down to the 60's. These 30 degree swings are not great for migraines I'll tell ya. But let's see who was standing there when the builder said "are you sure you don't want us to plumb for central air? Now's the time while the walls are open"...and that someone, she who will remain nameless said "nah, we only get a few hot days in New England".
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Diane, I do hope you are feeling better. I heard that the weather has been all over the place and that is when people get sick so please do take extra good care of yourself. I have to admit that the summers in Asia are "beyond hot"! The kind of heat that makes you feel like you might just pass out while waiting for the bus. There is no breeze. It is the stifling humidity that is unacceptable unless you are in a room with the air con (air-conditioning) on. We have to run the aircon all the time or otherwise you stick to all of the floors and we would have mold from the high humidity level. We even have dehumidifiers to help out with all of this as it traps buckets of moisture out from of house every day. I hope that Mr. somebody changes his mind about the need for aircon in New England. Take care, BAM
atasteofmadess says
This looks fantastic! I love anything with feta cheese, and this is a nice easy way to get my fix 😉
Danny @ 1227 Foster says
I love this refreshing snack - so light and tasty! I hear you about the humidity -- can't stand it one bit so I need the air con or I'd be in trouble 🙂 BAM - you have a wonderful view form your balcony - what a great way to unwind at the end of the day!
GourmetGetaways (@GourmetGetaway) says
Oh YUM!!! This is exactly what I need... something healthy and fres! The look so good, and your views are just amazing. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Mich Piece of Cake says
I love these snack bites! These look simply delicious with that creamy filling.
Korena in the Kitchen says
These look like the perfect crunchy, refreshing snack to enjoy while taking in those gorgeous views!! WOW! What beautiful scenery. Just breath-taking, Thanks for sharing Bam 🙂
Balvinder says
Those bites look so good, I am making them tonight without bacon. And Bobby I hear the same thing from my friends, who have teenage boys. They make their trip to Costco every week for some ready snacks.
yummychunklet says
Delicious looking bites and great photos!
Conor Bofin says
Very nice BAM. Also, beautiful views from your apartment. You are very lucky.
dedy oktavianus pardede says
what a great party starter!
i guess salty and savoury feta and sour and creamy youghurt is a perfect match
i like it even more if you add some anchovies and chopped chilli Bam....
Geni - Sweet and Crumby says
What gorgeous pics Bam! I am so jealous of your view! 🙂 These veggie appetizers looks so fresh and delicious!