Throwing a poker party can be a fantastic way to gather with friends, indulge in some friendly competition, put your brain to the test and perhaps even scoop up some winnings! But throwing the perfect poker party means thinking up what to serve to your guests to keep their brain and body going through many hours at the table. Unfortunately, the easiest simplest snacks, are not always the most healthy and stimulating. So what are the best healthy snacks out there for your next poker party, that you also don’t have to spend hours slaving away to prepare?
Hummus Dip and Veggies
Dips are a great option for easy to prepare snacks as you can either make a big batch at home yourself and then split it into smaller servings, or you can buy pre-made dips at the shop. Hummus is one of the healthiest options around when it comes to dip selections.
Made from cooked and mashed chickpeas or sometimes black beans, and flavoured with tahini, lemon juice and garlic, hummus is a creamy and delicious healthy dip option. Pair your hummus with carrot and celery sticks, cucumber, baby tomatoes and you are good to go!
Melon Balls or Wedges
Nothing says summer quite like a bite from a delicious, juicy melon. If you are throwing a summer poker party then serving up your guests some fresh melon in wedges or rolled into bite sized balls. Look for fresh melon varieties at your local supermarket, including watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew. Better yet, blitz your melon up with some vodka or rum and create some delicious alcoholic melon smoothies to welcome your guests when they arrive!
Vegetable Chips
Potato chips may be one of the easiest snacks out there, but they are also some of the unhealthiest. The good thing is you can easily create your own vegetable chips simply by thinly slicing some of your favourite vegetables and placing them into the oven to bake with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt.
Like placing wagers carefully in cricket betting, just be sure that you place each chip a good distance apart and watch your oven carefully to ensure they don’t burn. Some vegetables that make really great chips include pumpkin, beetroot, eggplant and even avocado. Sprinkle a dash of parmesan cheese on top before baking if you want a crispy cheesy coating!
Granola
Granola is not just for breakfast time. A handful of good old granola will give you the energy you need without the grains that are present in many traditional snacks. While you can buy granola at the store it’s so simple to make your own by combing some almond, pecan and walnuts with pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds.
Throw in some dried cranberries or raisins for a dash of sweetness and vanilla, honey, coconut flakes and oil and spices for taste and you’re good to go. If you are feeling creative you can even combine with some butter or margarine and bake to create your very own crispy granola bars. Just serve with a drizzle of honey on top and your poker party guests are bound to be impressed!