What Atlanta health food experts bring to holiday potlucks

Ashley Brooke Harbour, nutritionist and personal coach with a Norcross alternative and holistic health service, said she has many favorites when she's called to contribute to a holiday meal. "Two of my favorite appetizers are guacamole stuffed eggs or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, so yummy!" she said.

For a heartier appetizer or heavy finger food, she prepares bacon-wrapped shrimp or stuffed mini portobello mushrooms. "I always choose foods that are gluten and grain free and organic, with a protein-fat that balances blood sugar," she said. "That way, we aren't as tempted to run to the dessert table!"

Registered dietitian Rachel Brandeis always brings some kind of festive salad to holiday gatherings. She earned a graduate degree in community nutrition from Georgia State University and sees it as her responsibility to bring something that's delicious but on the healthier side. "You never know what will be served and I want to make sure there is something to fill up on," she said. "My salad is usually some combination of kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, nuts and a sprinkling of some kind of aged cheese with a citrus vinaigrette. It looks pretty and tastes great."

Registered dietitian Juliana Nagy practices in Sandy Springs and is an admitted foodie who spent nine months studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
She says the question of contributing to a holiday potluck always creates a dilemma for her because she loves to cook and sometimes gets carried away in the kitchen and prepares more than one dish.

"I try to make just two things that are fun to cook and taste great, one savory and one sweet," she said. "For my last holiday potluck, I prepared a ratatouille and a mini apple-walnut pie. Those are simple and delicious."

Her other favorites to bring to a holiday gathering include mini mushroom quiches, roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and a butternut squash bake.