Whether you're planning a weekend brunch, a garden party or a backyard bash - Any holiday festivity does not have to mean fatty foods. With minimal effort you can prepare healthier foods that will help your guests maintain their waistline yet still allow them to savor all the great flavors. Try some of our delectable recipes that were created with the help of well known chefs including Chef Chris Koch from Philadelphia PA, Chef Andreas Fleckenstin from Washington DC and Chef Amy Nesta from Boston MA.

• Berry Banana Shake - The kids will surely enjoy this wholesome treat.

• Black Bean and Six Pepper Salsa - Power packed salsa offering fiber and metabolism moving ingredients.

• Creamy Confetti Pasta Salad - Celebrate with this nutritious colorful dish.

• Farmers Market Herb-Cheese Pie - Loaded with flavor & nutrients - this healthy dish provides a good amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals including calcium!

• Figure~Friendly Cheesecake - Lite and fluffy - this old fashioned cheesecake makes a fabulous finale to any festive moment.

• Frangipane Fruit Dip - Scrumptious lite almond fruit dip that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

• Southwest Figure~Friendly Chip Dip - Boost your metabolism with this spicy southwestern style dip.

Click here for more cooking with Chef Koch

Smart Tips for Entertaining, by Sharon Lawrence, R.D., CDN

1. Offer plenty of water and lower-calorie drinks.

2. Select delectable dishes that are lite but offer wholesome goodness like the Creamy Confetti Pasta Salad and the Farmer's Market Herb-Cheese Pie.

3. To help your guests cool off serve low fatBerry Banana shakes made with fresh fruit, yogurt, and Friendship® 1% Lowfat Cottage Cheese.

4. Offer refreshing fruits and vegetables for your guests to snack on. Serve vegetables with low fat garden herb dip using Friendship® 1% Lowfat Cottage Cheese or Friendship® Light Sour Cream instead of cream cheese and mayonnaise. And for fruits try Sharon's personal favorite - Frangipane fruit dip.

5. Provide whole-grain blends of crackers or pita bread to offer foods that are high in fiber. Try healthy homemade chips - whole-grained wheat pita's seasoned with garlic, olive oil and other herbs of choice then toast lightly in the oven.

6. Make power-packed salsas with baked beans and serve with baked tortilla chips.

7. Prepare low fat desserts like Figure~Friendly Cheesecake make with Friendship® 1% Lowfat Cottage Cheese and Friendship® Light Sour Cream and topped with fresh berries.