In the quaint village of Hallowbrook, nestled among rolling hills and ancient woodlands, there existed a small café renowned for serving what many locals claimed was the very best granola in the country. Each morning, the café's owner, Miss Eliza Pemberton, would rise with the dawn, her kitchen filled with the warm, nutty aroma of toasting oats and honey.

Eliza's secret recipe was a harmonious blend of crunchy granola, studded with clusters of toasted almonds, juicy dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon that danced on the palate. Her approach was simple but meticulous; she believed that the finest ingredients made all the difference. Locally sourced honey, organic oats, and a dash of sea salt combined to create a wholesome treat that became a beloved staple for both villagers and visitors alike.

As patrons gathered at wooden tables, the granola was often enjoyed atop creamy Greek yoghurt or simply savoured by the handful, a perfect accompaniment to steaming mugs of Earl Grey. There was an undeniable sense of community in the café, where laughter mingled with the comforting crunch of Eliza's signature dish, making it not just the very best granola, but also the heartwarming essence of Hallowbrook itself.

15 Easiest Appetisers Under 200 Calories

When it comes to entertaining, appetisers set the stage for an enjoyable meal. However, juggling deliciousness and calorie counts can sometimes feel like a chore. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty options that tick both boxes! Here are 15 of the easiest appetisers you can whip up, each under 200 calories.

1. Cucumber Bites – Slice fresh cucumbers and top with a dollop of light cream cheese and a sprinkle of dill for a refreshing bite.

2. Stuffed Mini Peppers – Fill small bell peppers with a mixture of low-fat feta cheese and herbs for a burst of flavour.

3. Caprese Skewers – Assemble cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella balls on skewers, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

4. Hummus and Veggies – Pair homemade or shop-bought hummus with an assortment of crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery and bell peppers.

5. Prawn Cocktail Lettuce Wraps – Combine cooked prawns with a light cocktail sauce and serve in crisp lettuce leaves.

6. Avocado Toast Bites – Spread smashed avocado on wholegrain crackers, topped with a slice of radish for a crunchy contrast.

7. Mini Quiches – Whip up mini quiches using egg, spinach and low-fat cheese baked in muffin tins for easy serving.

8. Bruschetta – Top slices of toasted wholegrain bread with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic and basil for a classic starter.

9. Fruit Skewers – Thread seasonal fruits like strawberries, melon and pineapple onto skewers for a light, sweet treat.

10. Zucchini Chips – Bake thin slices of zucchini until crispy, seasoned with a touch of sea salt for a healthy snack alternative.

11. Greek Yogurt Dip – Blend Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon juice and herbs for a protein-packed dip to enjoy with crackers or veggies.

12. Baked Falafel Balls – Make baked falafel using chickpeas and spices, served with a dollop of tahini for a delightful flavour.

13. Savory Oatcakes – Serve homemade savoury oatcakes with a smear of low-fat cheese or pâté for a delicious crunch.

14. Mushroom Caps – Stuff button mushrooms with a mixture of breadcrumbs and herbs, then bake until golden for a hearty bite.

15. Nutty Energy Bites – Combine nuts, oats and a bit of honey to form energy balls that are great for a quick nibble.

These appetisers are not only simple to prepare but provide a delightful balance of flavour and nutrition, ensuring your guests leave feeling satisfied, yet light on their feet. Enjoy!

No-bake energy bites are the perfect little treats for anyone seeking a quick and nutritious snack without the hassle of turning on the oven. These delightful morsels are typically made from a harmonious blend of rolled oats, nut butter, honey, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips or dried fruit. The beauty of these bites lies in their versatility; you can easily tailor the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary requirements. Simply mix everything together, roll them into small balls, and chill in the fridge until firm. Ideal for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or post-workout nibble, these energy bites are not only tasty but also packed with wholesome goodness, providing sustained energy to power through your day. Perfect for busy lifestyles, they can be prepped in advance and stored in an airtight container, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes.

Indulging in a delightful yogurt parfait doesn’t have to mean exceeding your calorie limit. Here are three scrumptious recipes, each under 150 calories, perfect for a light breakfast or a healthy snack.

Berry Bliss Parfait: Start with a layer of low-fat Greek yogurt (50g), which provides a creamy base at just 59 calories. Top it with a handful of mixed berries—blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries—for a burst of flavour and vibrant colour, adding only about 30 calories. Finish with a sprinkle of chia seeds (1 tsp) for added crunch and omega-3s, bringing the total to around 99 calories.

Tropical Dream Parfait: Combine a small serving of low-fat vanilla yogurt (100g) at 72 calories with chunks of ripe mango (50g), which contribute an additional 35 calories. Add a few slices of kiwi for a tangy twist (25g, approximately 17 calories) and a dusting of unsweetened coconut flakes (1 tsp) for that vacation feel. This delightful parfait clocks in at about 124 calories.

Nutty Banana Delight: For a satisfying treat, layer 100g of low-fat natural yogurt (62 calories) with slices of banana (half a medium-sized banana, around 53 calories). Top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour (negligible calories) and a few chopped walnuts (1 tsp) for a crunchy finish at approximately 20 calories. This delightful combination totals around 135 calories.

These parfaits not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also nourish your body without compromising your dietary goals. Enjoy!

Banana oatmeal cookies are a delightful and wholesome treat, perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet nibble after dinner. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies boast a chewy texture and natural sweetness that makes them irresistible. Simply mash the bananas and combine them with oats, a splash of vanilla extract, and a sprinkling of your favourite nuts or chocolate chips. Each spoonful of dough transforms beautifully in the oven, resulting in golden-brown cookies that are not only delicious but also packed with fibre. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container to savour later – they rarely last long!

The air fryer has revolutionised snacking, and one of the most delightful treats you can make with it is cinnamon apple chips. These crisply baked delights are incredibly simple and require just a handful of ingredients.

Start by thinly slicing fresh apples—tart varieties like Granny Smith work wonderfully—and tossing them in a light sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of sugar, if you fancy a bit of sweetness. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overlapping for that perfect crispness.

Set your air fryer to a moderate temperature and let it work its magic. In just a matter of minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the enticing aroma of warm cinnamon and apples. The result? Light-as-air chips that are deliciously crunchy and utterly addictive. Perfect as a healthy snack or a unique topping for your morning porridge, air fryer cinnamon apple chips are bound to become a favourite in your household. Enjoy them alone or share them with friends—if you can keep your hands off them long enough!

In the bustling heart of my kitchen, I found myself amidst an organised chaos, the kind only a home cook would understand. I had recently unearthed a recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini Chips, a healthier alternative to the traditional crispy snack. The countertop was littered with the remnants of my culinary expedition: a sturdy cutting board strewn with slices of vibrant green zucchini glistening with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

As the air fryer hummed softly, I could almost taste the anticipation in the air. The aroma of garlic powder and paprika wafted through the space, mingling with the earthy scent of the zucchini. I chuckled to myself, recalling previous culinary disasters that had left my kitchen resembling a battleground. Today, however, everything seemed to align. The promise of perfectly crisp, golden-brown chips danced in my mind, a beacon of hope amid the delightful mayhem.

In mere minutes, the air fryer would transform these humble slices into a crunchy treat, ideal for snacking or as an accompaniment to a light meal. Each chip, I hoped, would emerge with the satisfying crunch that would make the organised chaos worthwhile, a testament to the magic that can happen when you embrace the mess in pursuit of something delicious.