Hosting a Low Carb Dinner Party

So you're hosting a special dinner. And you're on a low carb diet. Is it a night where you select a few items that you can eat and then simply refrain from consuming any of the other delicacies you have provided? Or can you have your (cheese)cake and eat it too? The low carb lifestyle lends itself well to splurging meals and snacks so sit back, take a few notes, and get ready to host a dinner so delicious and low carb, your guests will never know it's "diet"!

Before dinner. Low carb doesn't mean you have to forego the appetizers. Plan to set out a few bowls of pecans, almonds and macadamia nuts. Make them even more special by roasting them beforehand after tossing in olive oil and savory seasonings. Mix together cream cheese, a little mayonnaise and some dry Italian salad dressing mix and pipe on cucumbers. Serve the appetizers with assorted rail drinks for a perfect cocktail hour!

The main course. Splurge at the butchers and plan to serve up either a standing rib roast or a New York strip roast. Both are excellent cuts of beef and lend themselves perfectly to an elegant celebration. Coat the roast with a rub made from rosemary, kosher salt, peppercorns, and olive oil and cook as directed in any roast recipe. These cuts are best served medium rare to medium and make for an impressive centerpiece to your meal. Serve with au jus and horseradish.

The sides. Here is another place low carb shines. Nearly any green vegetable can be sauteed with bacon grease or butter until tender. It's decadent and it's naughty, but yet it's still low carb! Steam up cauliflower until completely tender, drain, and mash together with cream cheese, salt, pepper and a touch of butter for an incredible substitute for mashed potatoes. Your guests will never miss the starches! Round out the meal with a savory garlic Caesar salad. Use plenty of shredded parmesan, asiago or romano cheese and add sliced almonds for crunch in lieu of croutons. Make sure the dressing is full fat!

The beverages. Dinner can be served with wine and rail drinks. Diet tonic with lime juice is another choice. Experiment with martinis, making sure to use crystal light instead of juice. Get creative and have fun!

The dessert. Search for your favorite cheesecake recipe and low carb it! Cheesecakes don't need a crust, and can be made in many different flavors. Using Splenda instead of sugar is one substitution that can change any recipe. Pumpkin pie, made with heavy cream instead of evaporated milk and Splenda instead of sugar is another festive choice. Serve either sweet treat with real whipped cream and sprinkle with roasted pecans, tossed in cinnamon and Spenda. Round out dessert with fresh coffee, served with sugar free syrups, Splenda, and a few libations of choice.

Use your imagination and take advantage of naturally low carb ingredients like nuts, meat, cream cheese, vegetables and more to really serve up a special meal that you and your guests can enjoy, without deprivation or diversion from your food plan. You'll never miss the carbs!