There are many ways to create unique and exotic appetizers. Appetizers do not have to be filled with fat, high content of sugar, cholesterol and sodium.  Instead they can be healthy, cheap and easy to make. Here are some unique and interesting appetizers for all.

1. Plantain and cheese

 Plantains resemble bananas but are not that sweet. Slice five or six unripe plantains lengthwise.  Grate low fat cheese or use a few slices of tofu cheese.  In a greased pan, place plantain individual and lengthwise. Add sprinkled cheese over each individual plantain slice. Bake for 3-7 minutes in oven or until brown. You can also place in microwave for 5-6 minutes.

2.  Cucumber and chicken salad

Peel 4-5 cucumbers and cut in halves. Scoop and remove seeds and pulp from inside.  In another bowl combine 1 cup of shredded chicken, turkey or tuna with ½ cup vegenaise, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup shredded carrots.  Allow mixture to chill in fridge for 2 hours. Fill the cucumber cavity with chicken salad. Cut cucumbers with chicken into smaller sections and serve.

3.   Eggplant rolls

     Wash, and trim edges of three eggplants and slice lengthwise and thin.  In separate bowl, combine and mix 1 1/2cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of pasta sauce, 1 zucchini chopped thinly, salt, pepper and basil. Place a small amount of ricotta mixture on a sliced eggplant.  Roll eggplants and place in a greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for10- 20minutes.

4.  Baked veggie dogs

      Veggie dogs are vegetarian hot dogs. Mix ½ cup barbeque sauce, 2tsp of hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tbsp molasses, and 1tsp ground ginger in a bowl.  Cut veggie dogs in two and use a pastry brush to coat veggie dogs with barbeque sauce mixture. Cover cookie pan with aluminum foil and place veggie dogs on pan. Cook at 350degrees for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a dip .Veggie dogs can  be cut into smaller pieces and served on a skewer with other vegetables.