These Holiday Finger Foods Are Cute And COVID-Friendly

finger food recipes for the holidaysfinger food recipes for the holidays

Holiday get togethers just aren't the same without finger foods. This year, if you're hesitant about sharing big dishes and the possibility of double dipping, turn your go-to apps into individual bites that everyone can enjoy. Not only are they cute and perfectly portioned, they're easy to make as well! Here are a few of our favorite COVID-friendly finger foods.

Individual Charcuterie Boards

Courtesy of Society Social and Queen Bri CLT / Photo by Demi Mabry

Individual Charcuterie Boards

We'll never get enough charcuterie! Swap your go-to cheese board for miniature cones filled with salami, cheese, and olives. Keep a few in the back for your post-party cravings.

BLT Bites

Give this iconic sandwich (well, its deconstructed version) a fresh spin with sun-dried tomato paste and zesty ranch lettuce. Not only are they great for the holidays, they'll be a hit at summer barbecues too.

Mini Tostadas with 7-Layer Dip

You know when you're eating dip and you get that perfect scoop that has all seven layers in one bite? Yeah, these mini tostadas are just like that.

Image via Chic Chef Co.

Prawn and Gazpacho Shots

Ingredients:
  • 24 large prawns peeled, deveined (tails intact)
  • 1 tbsp Chic Chef All-purpose extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 chorizo, cut into 24 slices
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • Gazpacho
  • 2 Lebanese cucumbers
  • 6 ripe roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 330g jar whole roasted peppers, drained
  • 1 small shallot
  • 8 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tbsp Chic Chef red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Chic Chef All purpose extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
  1. Remove and discard seeds from 1 cucumber. Finely dice and reserve. Peel and roughly chop remaining cucumber.
  2. Place in a food processor with tomato, peppers, shallot, mint, vinegar and oil. Season.
  3. Process for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl, until smooth.
  4. Pour into a fine sieve set over a large jug. Using the back of a spoon, press mixture through a sieve. Discard solids.
  5. Refrigerate, cover for 1 hour or until chilled.
  6. Meanwhile, place prawns, oil and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Thread two prawns onto each skewer.
  7. Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Cook skewers for 1 minute each side or until lightly charred and just cooked through.
  8. Pour gazpacho evenly among 24 shot glasses. Sprinkle with diced cucumber and parsley. Place a skewer in each glass. Serve.
Recipe courtesy of Nik Fields of Chic Chef Co.

Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapenos

Get ready for a flavorful snack with these cheesy peppers that take less than an hour to make. Divvy them up onto plates before your guests arrive to keep things easy.

Mini Baked Potatoes

Why make a few giant baked potatoes when you can make 35 tiny ones? We love sour cream, cheese, and chives, but feel free to spruce yours up however you prefer.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

All you need for these quick and easy taquitos is buffalo chicken, cheese, tortillas, and a bit of olive oil. They're so tasty you can make them for every holiday party and no one will get tired of them.

Pumpkin Waffle Bowl Sundaes

Individual ice cream sundaes with bowls you can actually eat? Yes please. Top with strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel, and more.

Mini Chicken And Waffles

Keep the stickiness contained with a mini version of this tasty dish. Time-saving tip: Try swapping chicken breasts for chicken nuggets to help with the prep.

Egg Muffins

Stuff these bad boys with your favorite veggies, meats, and cheeses for a totally customizable brunch dish. You can also freeze and reheat them easily.

Image via Chic Chef Co.

Mini Salads

Ingredients:
  • Salad greens
  • Apples
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Red onion
  • Pecans (toast then in the oven on 325 for 12 minutes if you have the time)
  • Feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 small shallot
  • 1 cup Chic Chef Chocolate balsamic
  • 1/4 cup Chic Chef All purpose EVOO
  • 1 tablespoon Chic Chef Honey Garlic Mustard
Instructions:
  1. Wash and dry all produce put in a bowl.
  2. Make your vinaigrette with the balsamic, EVOO, mustard, honey, and shallot.
  3. Whisk well, refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Pour over your salad mixture, then pile high in any glass of your choice! Make the vinaigrette ahead of time for more flavor- will last up to seven days refrigerated.
Recipe courtesy of Nik Fields of Chic Chef Co.

Cheese Crisps

These tasty crisps are a little bit cheesy, a little bit spicy, and all-around great for entertaining. You can snack on them all evening without worrying whether they'll go bad.

Keto Cheese Ball

Instead of making one big cheese ball for everyone, make a few tiny ones served on individual plates. Add crackers and veggies for dipping.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Mini Muffins

These bites make us want to turn all our favorite dips into muffins.

Maple Bourbon Walnut Mini Bundt Cakes

Serve these on festive plates or give them as party favors once your guests start leaving.

Mini Taco Sleighs

Tacos have never looked better. Or more festive. Make your favorite taco combinations or try your hand at a dessert taco instead!

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Starting your day with the right foods can make a huge difference in how you feel – that rings especially true if you’re fighting any kind of inflammation. Instead of sugary cereals or processed pastries (though they can be convenient), opt for these delicious anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas that’ll help keep your body balanced. These anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas are packed with nutrients that’ll undoubtedly leave you feeling your best – with no flare-ups in sight!

Scroll on to discover 12 amazing anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas that’ll make you excited to wake up and chow down!

Brit + Co

Layered Berry Smoothie

Packed with three kinds of berries high in antioxidants, this beautifully layered smoothie will totally soothe any inflamed feelings you have. (via Brit + Co)

Rebecca Firsker

Citrusy Chickpea Shakshuka

This protein-rich breakfast recipe is made with real, whole ingredients, making it a stunning savory option in the morning. (via Rebecca Firsker for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

3-Ingredient Protein Pancakes

When it comes to anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas, the simpler = the better. Luckily, these filling pancakes are made with just three ingredients and come together so quick. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Parfait Popsicles

Meal preppers will adore this easy parfait popsicle recipe that you can easily customize with your fave anti-inflammatory fruits! You could even enjoy this as a nice, refreshing snack outside of breakfast time. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Sweet Potato Hash

This hash is balanced well with plenty of protein, veggies, and fiber from the sweet potato. It's a hearty helping that'll definitely leave you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle the day, sans inflammation. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vanilla and Bean

Overnight Turmeric Chia Oats

Turmeric is famously known for its anti-inflammatory benefits – sneak some into these yummy chia and oat bowls, and thanks to the help of more spices and maple syrup, you won't even notice it's there! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Crowded Kitchen

Savory Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

A good balance of grains and veg can be found in these aesthetically-pleasing breakfast bowls, which gives you a great source of energy to go off of all morning long. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Clean Cuisine

Blueberry Muffin Chia Pudding

These chia puddings taste just like blueberry muffins, but are a bit healthier for you than your typical baked good. The chia seeds supply a beneficial amount of not only fiber, but protein, so you feel full after eating a serving. Yum! (via Clean Cuisine)

Feel Good Foodie

Cottage Cheese Bowls

Cottage cheese FTW! It's one of our favorite underrated protein sources, and can easily be customized to pair with either savory or sweet flavors. For a savory bowl, add some tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or avocado. For sweet, opt for berries, honey, peanut butter, and granola! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Averie Cooks

Deep Dish Mixed Berry Skillet Pancake

Forget flippin' pancakes and all the time it takes to make 'em – this baked skillet pancake is just as tasty and way more convenient, especially if you're big on meal prepping. The added berries qualify it for some great anti-inflammatory benefits, thanks to the abundance of antioxidants. (via Averie Cooks)

The Original Dish

Herb Ricotta Omelets with Chickpeas & Mushrooms

Veggies at the table are a must if you want to craft a savory anti-inflammatory breakfast. (via The Original Dish)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Banana Spinach Muffins

These sweet muffins hide quite a bit of spinach in each serving, a leafy green that helps fight inflammation with ease. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

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We all want skin spared from dryness, dullness, and signs of aging. Well, we miraculously tracked down a product that claims to remedy all three skincare issues! We know, we know – it sounds a bit too good to be true, but with over 60,000 5-star reviews from real shoppers touting this single serum for its effectiveness, high quality, and ease, we’re in awe that we can snag it right now for just $16 (was $25).

Scroll on to discover the must-try skincare serum that shoppers are calling their “holy grail.”

Meet The The COSRX Snail Mucin Serum

Amazon

The COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence is a longtime #1 best seller on Amazon – and a total favorite amongst our readers!

As a super popular product among skincare and makeup influencers, it’s highly likely that you’ve already seen it around! And while it might seem intimidating (or just a bit nerve-wracking) to put the real snail essence it’s made with on your face, the benefits of it definitely outweigh any reservations you may have.

Amazon

According to COSRX, the 100% natural snail essence this serum is formulated with provides “enhanced moisturization” for dehydrated and damaged skin. The serum itself is super lightweight and absorbs impressively fast into the skin to deliver a “natural and healthy glow.”

Amazon

The results from shoppers truly speak for the product’s ability to deliver all the claims it makes. In case you need further convincing, here are three standout reviews that have us adding the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence to our cart!

Standout Reviews For The COSRX Snail Mucin Serum

Amazon

  • “This skin serum is absolutely the best! It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated without any greasy residue. After using it for just a few weeks, I noticed a visible improvement in the texture and tone of my skin – it looks brighter and more radiant. The formula is gentle, and I love how it works well with my other skincare products. It’s perfect for all skin types and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all. If you’re looking for an effective and high-quality serum, this one is definitely a must-have in your skincare routine!”
  • “I cannot recommend this product enough! The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has completely transformed my skin. It’s incredibly hydrating, lightweight, and absorbs quickly without feeling sticky. My skin feels plumper, softer, and more radiant after just a few weeks of use. It also helps with healing blemishes and reducing redness, making my complexion more even and smooth.”
  • “I cannot say enough good things about this snail mucin! My skin tends to get extremely dry and dull during the cold winter months, but this has completely changed the game. From the very first use, I noticed an instant boost in hydration, plumpness, and overall glow. It has a lightweight, silky texture that absorbs beautifully into the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.”

Shop The COSRX Snail Mucin Serum Here

Amazon

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

A 3.35-ounce bottle of the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence is currently on sale on Amazon for the retailer’s Big Spring Sale for just $16 – it typically goes for $25. COSRX also carries a number of different snail mucin skincare products, like a cleanser, moisturizer, and a dual essence with niacinamide.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing skincare products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Believe it or not, but Trader Joe’s is a total goldmine for low-fat finds that are actually tasty. From delicious breakfast options to heartier meals and mid-day snacks, Trader Joe’s is stocked with plenty of options that make eating healthy super easy and delicious. If you're looking to lighten up your grocery haul without sacrificing the things you love, these must-try TJ’s products are definitely worth adding to your cart!

Scroll on for the 10 best low-fat Trader Joe’s finds to shop now.

Trader Joe's

Icelandic Style Skyr Lowfat Cherry Yogurt

With a mere 1.5% milkfat, this low-fat yogurt is still deliciously thick and creamy so you can feel fulfilled after breakfast. This one's flavored with cherry purée, though TJ's carries more flavors like raspberry and vanilla.

Trader Joe's

Cauliflower Gnocchi

This cauli-based gnocchi with 3 grams of fat per serving is too good. It cooks up to be crispy on the outside, but plenty tender on the inside for balance.

Trader Joe's

Reduced Guilt Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip

This better-for-you dip carries just 2 grams of fat and 30 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. Yum! It's loaded with kale, spinach, water chestnuts, red peppers, carrots, green onions, and garlic for immaculate flavors and textures.

Trader Joe's

Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Chicken Tenders

Pre-seasoned anything is such a convenient time-saver in the kitchen, and these tenders are no exception. Flavored with sun-dried tomato and basil, they go great with Italian-themed feasts or just a simple side of roasted veggies. One serving is only 2 grams of fat, too!

Trader Joe's

Whole Wheat English Muffins

Whole grains are insanely good for you, though these English muffins packed with them don't necessarily taste obviously healthy. They're so tasty whether you pile on something sweet or something savory – one serving has just 1.5 grams of fat!

Trader Joe's

Organic Vegetarian Chili

This veggie chili makes comfort food way more accessible, whether you're in it for the convenience factor (hello, heat and eat!) or the low-fat factor. It's packed with textured pea protein for a "meaty" feel, so you won't even miss the real thing. One can of this TJ's find carries 8 grams of fat!

Trader Joe's

Cauliflower Pizza Crusts

These readymade crusts make getting your pizza fix in super easy! The dough is made from a simple medley of shredded cauliflower, whole eggs, and grated Parmesan and seasoned with garlic and herbs for added flavor. One crust clocks in at 6 grams of fat.

Trader Joe's

Chickpea Fusilli Pasta

Not only is this chickpea pasta packed with protein (11 grams, to be exact), it's a good option for low-fat eaters since it contains just 2.5 grams of fat per serving. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce, and you're set!

Trader Joe's

Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Potstickers for just 2 grams of fat per serving?! Count us in! These babies are loaded up with chicken for protein and cabbage and onion for texture and flavor.

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

This cult-fave TJ's snack is notoriously low in fat with only 5 grams per serving. It's also certifiably vegan!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more great Trader Joe's products!

Millions of people are painfully aware of the struggles that come with being an adult in today's economy (hello, cost of eggs?!).

The average salary in the United States is just over $66,600, according to data from the Social Security Administration. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are still above 6%, and food prices have risen a whopping 31% since 2019.

Being able to afford outings like date nights or brand-name clothing, let alone going on family vacations or buying a home, has become a privilege. But, for people who grew up in affluent households that didn't have to worry about finances, privilege can be an invisible force that shapes their lives in ways they don't even realize.

When you grow up surrounded by other individuals just like you, it's easy to assume that everyone has the same opportunities. However, once you venture outside your "bubble," you might experience a wake-up call or a defining moment that opens your eyes to the disparities that exist beyond your own upbringing.

So, people who grew up wealthy recently took to Reddit to share their own personal wake-up calls, which made them realize just how privileged they were compared to others. Here are 10 of the most intriguing revelations.

Scroll to see the wake-up calls that made these wealthy people finally see the real world...

1. Not everyone's parents can put them through college. 

"My parents are wealthy, but I grew up in a place where many of my peers' parents were super, duper, crazy wealthy, so I had a skewed understanding of wealth," shared one user.

"It was really eye-opening for me when I went to college. I didn't have to take out student loans; my parents were able to just pay for it. But I had friends who, even with financial aid, had to work their [behinds] off year-round to cover the cost of school. I realized pretty quickly just how privileged I was and that I did, in fact, grow up with wealth."

2. Country clubs aren't the only kind of "clubs" out there. 

"When I was confused about people on Maury complaining their spouse was at 'the club,' and I couldn't figure out what type of country club would let people like that through the front security gate," admitted another user.

3. Not everyone views their parents as good role models. 

"Becoming an adult and realizing that I have extremely good role models as parents because when they have disagreements, they talk them out, and I have never, ever, heard them argue or badmouth each other," one user revealed.

"I also realized that as a kid, my parents got me mental health help that I needed even though it was expensive and continued that care for as long as I have needed it," they added.

"A third [wake-up call] that doesn't seem like much but has had a huge impact was being taught financial literacy from a young age; to budget my money and only buy the things I really, really want."

4. Many people have never left the country.  

"My parents loved to travel. By the time I was 16, I had been to every continent aside from Antarctica. I didn't realize that this was privileged behavior until I went to university, and most of the guys I met had never left the country," a user shared.

"In fact, I grew up thinking I was less privileged because everyone at my school was just obscenely rich. Like, all their stuff was high-end designer stuff while I was in Converse."

5. Some families cannot afford to have pets. 

"My dad was an engineer, so professional wealth, but... probably hearing about a kid whose family had to give his dog away due to the cost in elementary school," another user remembered.

"Giving away our dog wasn't on the radar or even on the table. But it was only out of the question because my parents had the money for it to be out of the question."

6. Owning multiple properties is not the norm. 

"When I learned that not everyone has a summer cottage or trust fund, and not all grandparents have weekend and summer homes," a user noted.

7. Exposure to cultural education isn't a given. 

"I didn't think I grew up in a wealthy family, but when I started high school, I was part of a group of girls who became close friends with me. Apparently, they thought it was very weird that I knew things that I considered cultural knowledge, like the history of some important building in the city or the fact that I actually knew about art and went to museums quite often," detailed a user.

"All this because my parents made me go to museums and theaters my whole life growing up. Apparently, that's not a normal thing for normal parents to do with their kids, and asking your parents if they can take you to the ballet is not something a teenager would normally ask."

8. Some people have never been able to fill up their tanks at the gas station. 

"In college, I went on a road trip with friends, and one asked how much money he should put in the gas tank. I told him to fill it up," recalled a user.

"He kept asking, 'Okay, how much should I pay?' and I kept saying, 'Fill it up!' It turned out he had only ever put $10 to $15 at a time, and it had never occurred to me that some people never fill their gas tanks to the top."

9. Seeing how families abroad make do.

"I realized how privileged I was when I spent a summer with my great-grandmother in a small village in rural Hungary. No indoor running water, the only phone was at the church, and everyone came out to touch the rental car we drove there in. This was in the late 1980s," recalled a user.

10. Learning that not everyone takes their first flight as a child.

"I have been flying around the world since I was 4 months old. When I was 16, my friend told me she'd fly for the first time in an airplane, and I was shocked," said another user.

"I told my dad that I couldn't believe it took her 16 years to fly! I got a stern talk after; my dad is very humble despite it all."

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This post was updated.

The internet loves pitting celebrities against each other because people were convinced Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle had a growing rivalry. For a while, we wondered if something was wrong since the growing "evidence" about it seemed to confirm suspicions. But no one could've predicted how quickly the CEO of Goop and With Love, Meghan host would shut down rumors.

Although we didn't see this coming, we're glad Gwyneth decided to poke holes in the "theories" about her alleged feud with Meghan.

Scroll to revisit the rumors that led to Gwyneth Paltrow & Meghan Markle's epic collab

Wait, why did people think Gwyneth Paltrow & Meghan Markle were feuding?

Adam Rose/Netflix

People have been finding ways to rip With Love, Meghan to shreds and have accused Meghan of copying Pamela Anderson's Pamela's Cooking with Love show (via Page Six). PEOPLEalso alludes to a growing call out that Meghan's show imitates Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop. However, the source of Gwyneth and Meghan's rumored feud stems from a reel Paltrow posted a few days ago.

Giving us a peek at what feels like a "soft girl" morning, Gwyneth made "gluten-free buttermilk biscuits, not-so-perfectly cooked over-easy eggs, and crispy bacon #boyfriendbreakfast," per her caption and gave her dog sweet kisses. While some of the comments appreciated a glimpse into her life, some people couldn't help but bring up Meghan Markle.

Here's a few of the standout comments:

  • "I was not a Paltrow fan, until today. This is what authenticity looks like. ♥️ the background song (super trolling Meghan Markle) was a nice touch. Gwyneth’s own home (not a rented mansion) actually cooking like we all do and broke a yolk 🤦🏻♀️ Love it. I’m here for it."
  • "Meghan has become the laughing stock of the world. It doesn’t take much to shade her these days😂"
  • "It's bad enough that women are pitted against each other but it's unforgivable when women do it themselves. I thought Gwyneth had more class but I guess she was just acting."

How did Gwyneth shut down the rumors? 

According to PEOPLE's recent article, Gwyneth sat down to chat with her fans via Instagram Stories yesterday to answer a series of questions from fans. One person asked, "Are you comprehending the Meghan Markle beef that social media says you two have?" Gwyneth didn't waste time by saying, "I genuinely do not understand this at all, whatsoever," before asking someone, "Do you understand this?"

As she moved the camera over, Meghan could be seen eating with a smile on her face. Her responses indicated she didn't know what people were talking about either.

Has Gwyneth addressed the similarities between Goop and 'With Love, Meghan?'

In her Vanity Fair interview, Gwyneth didn't hesitate to share how she really feels about Meghan. She said, "[if] there’s noise about certain women in the culture, I do have, always, a strong instinct to stand up for them."

But, what stands out is what the actress and entrepreneur said next. "I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes. I think there’s always more than enough to go around. Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try."

Specifically, her mother, actress Blythe Danner, imparted valuable wisdom to her during her younger days that Gwyneth remembers well. During a moment of jealousy, she made a comment about another young woman to which Blythe said, "Another woman is never your competition" because she knows "what is right for you will find you."

Thank God for moms who raise their daughters to be girls girl!

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