Mini Cocktail Carrot Dogs

Spark up a conversation about health at your next cocktail party with these Mini Cocktail Carrot Dogs. 

These teeny mock-weenies mimic the smoky taste and snappy texture of traditional dogs, but with a fraction of the calories and fat. Plus, since they’re made with carrots and heart-healthy avocado oil, you and your guests get the added benefits of vitamins A, C and K, potassium, iron and fiber, just to name a few. 

“A recent study showed that avocado oil boosts the absorption of carotenoids in your food, so pairing the oil with beta-carotene-rich carrots is a very smart idea,” says Rebecca Izawa, a registered dietitian at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

“These carrot cocktail dogs would be a hit at a children’s party or as an after-school snack,” Izawa recommends. “Let kids use fun skewers to dunk these dogs into a healthy sauce, such as guacamole or homemade hummus, for a well-balanced treat.” 

This recipe serves four, so be sure to double or triple up on the recipe as needed. 

Mini Cocktail Carrot Dogs

Recipe adapted from MyRecipes.com

Serves 4
 

Ingredients:

32 baby carrots, rinsed

1 tablespoon avocado oil

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce

2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)

2 1/2 teaspoons harissa seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder
 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Place baby carrots in a single layer in prepared baking dish.

2. Place oil, tamari, liquid smoke (if desired), harissa seasoning and garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir with a whisk. Pour oil mixture over carrots; rub to coat on all sides.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional information per serving (8 carrot cocktail dogs):

Calories: 68; Carbohydrates: 8g; Protein: 1g; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sodium: 200mg

Published on: July 19, 2017