Last minute Thanksgiving dishes that whip up in minutes

November 26, 10:53 AMNutrition ExaminerCarol Bardelli

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Veggies have a place on every holiday table.

If you're like my family, last minute Thanksgiving chores are looming. You're busier than the Mad Hatter planning a tea party for the Red Queen. Probably your thanksgiving food shopping is behind you, but if you have to pick up that extra gallon of milk or a forgotten spice, here's a list of inexpensive foods for quick and healthy snacks. Also check out the quick and easy recipes below.

Olives - black or green, stuffed with pimento, garlic, or jalepenos, these tasty snacks go with most foods and are packed with heart healthy fats.

Flavored cream cheese - we love the salmon and it goes well spread on whole wheat crackers or veggies.

Celery - stuff it with cream cheese for an easy hors d'oeurve.

Fine cheese - try an imported parmesiano Reggiano or a ring of brie. These cheeses are fine in moderation and make lovely presentations.

Cooked shrimp - delicious and ready to eat, this is a staple in my kitchen. Thaw and serve cold with a cocktail sauce, or heat and eat. They're delicious served with creamy autumn soups.

Asparagus - elegant and appealing, this vegetable says "celebration." 

Gulf Coast Garlic Shrimp

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 fresh garlic cloves, minced

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and de-veined

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 cup dry white wine

3 tablespoons fresh parsley

Spray a nonstick skillet with non fat cooking spray. Add red pepper, garlic, bay leaf and sauté a minute. Add shrimp and salt, sauté 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet. Add wine and parsley, bring to a boil, and cook about a minute until reduced to 1/4 cup. Return shrimp to skillet, toss to coat. Discard bay leaf.  Makes 4 servings. 1 serving equals 1/4 of shrimp and sauce.

Nutritional Information: Calories: 130 Fat: 6 grams.

Elegant Asparagus with Parmesan

1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 cup balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss asparagus spears in oil. on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over asparagus and season with pepper. Arrange asparagus spears on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and asparagus is cooked through but crisp. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and serve hot.

Makes 4 servings. 1 serving equals 1/4 of recipe.

Nutritional Information: Calories: 100 Fat: 6 grams.