At the time of the end of the year celebrations, the meals are very often preceded by a copious aperitif but also generally tasty, let us admit it. Bowls of chips, small pieces of cheese or sausage, toasts of foie gras, salmon or even pâtés of all kinds usually adorn our guests' tables. Obviously, these appetizers are not without some alcoholic bubbles such as champagne or sparkling wine. Younger people usually go for the sweet fizzy drinks that will delight their taste buds for this special occasion. What if we tried to transform the holiday buffet this year?

In fact, in order to give you ideas for a healthy 'aperitif' buffet, here are two interesting recipes to offer to your guests. Plus,easy to make, they will allow you to spend time alongside your guests and not in the kitchen.

The spicy squash verrine

This recipe provides B vitamins, A and C, fiber, carotenoids, copper, manganese and selenium. Of course, you should choose organically grown ingredients to take full advantage of the nutritional benefits.

Ingredients:

• 1 small pinch of nutmeg
• ½ tablespoon of pumpkin seeds
• 300 grams of acorn squash, deseeded and cut into large pieces with skin
• 1 large pinch of cinnamon
• ½ tablespoon of liquid honey
• 1 tablespoon of oatmeal or spelt
• ½ tablespoon of sunflower seeds
• 150 grams of Greek yogurt
• 1 pinch of fine salt

How to do it?

Step 1: Roast squash for 40 minutes at 180 degrees until tender.

Let cool and puree the flesh in a food processor.

Add cinnamon and nutmeg.

Step 2: In a frying pan, melt the butter and add the oats (or spelt), then the various seeds and salt.

Fry over medium-high heat until golden brown, but do not allow the seeds to become completely toasted.

Add the honey and sauté for 1 minute until the mixture becomes sticky.

Then let cool in a plate and break the hardened result into pieces.

Before serving, layer the yogurt, pumpkin puree and then the seed mixture in a glass.

Peanut Hummus

This recipe provides B and C vitamins, copper, manganese and flanoids.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams of cooked chickpeas
• 1 small clove of garlic, minced.
• 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• Flower of salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil only for seasoning (organic, raw, first cold-pressed oil)
• Sliced vegetables of your choice as a side dish (carrots or zucchini, cauliflower, radishes, etc.)

How to do it?

Mix the chickpeas with the garlic, peanut butter, lemon juice and cumin in a food processor. Then blend until smooth.

Then add a little water if the consistency is not silky enough.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with raw olive oil.

Finally, serve the hummus with its raw vegetables.

To accompany this convivial moment, why not try a naturally fermented drink such as fruit kefir that would bring a sparkling moment to your early evening? This natural and healthy drink for the body can be found in all organic stores in small individual bottles or in artisanal production if you have kefir seeds in your possession. The preparation is meticulous but ultimately very simple.

Enjoy your meal!

The recipes are from the Super Food Bible at Editions Marabout.