A Holiday Cheesy Snack Tree
That’s Festive and Delicious!

‘Tis the season for parties, family get-togethers and joyful merriment. While maintaining a balanced diet throughout the year is a healthy goal for many people, the holidays provide that brief time of the year where it feels okay to indulge just a bit. Enter our Holiday Cheesy Snack Tree! This simple recipe cooks up very fast and is always a hit at family or holiday work functions. It’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Give it a try this holiday season or anytime you are in a festive mood. Can you say Valentine’s Day Cheesy Tree?

“Not everything we eat has to be healthy all the time—sometimes we want to eat for fun too! The key is balance. Especially during the holidays, try to make sure you’re getting a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated with water, and exercising regularly along with some of your indulgences.”

Carolyn Schut, MS, RD, LD, CLC, Registered Dietitian, Health Plan of Nevada

Here’s how to make our Holiday Cheesy Snack Tree. Try it out, and don’t forget to share a pic with #TakingOnHealthy.

Ingredients:

• 1-pound refrigerated pizza dough
• Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water)
• 7 low-fat mozzarella sticks
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp. thinly sliced basil
• 1 tbsp. chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp. chopped rosemary
• Marinara, warmed (for serving)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces and set aside.
2. On a floured surface, divide pizza dough into two pieces. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle, then cut dough into 2” squares (you’ll need 33-35 total).
3. Wrap a dough square around each piece of mozzarella, forming a tightly sealed ball. Place balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a tree (they should be touching). Brush egg wash on dough balls and bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan and herbs. Brush on baked pizza balls. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 32

Calories:	79
Total Fat:	3.8g
Sodium:	156mg
Total Carbs:	7.1g
Cholestoral:	16g
Protein:	3.8g