Founder of What's on Parker's Plate, & Author of "Eat Rich, Stay Skinny: A Girls' Guide to Holiday Feasting"

The Holiday Party Season is almost here, and that means office parties, family, friends and plenty of entertaining. Here to share some timely holiday party tips is Parker Wallace, the founder of ‘What’s on Parker’s Plate’ and the author of “Eat Rich, Stay Skinny: A Girls’ Guide to Holiday Feasting.”

WITH ALL THE GREAT HOLIDAY RECIPES, ANY TIPS FOR CREATING BETTER FOR YOU VERSIONS?   

My number one rule is to cut calories wherever you can. You also want to make sure your holiday treats are made with quality ingredients. My secret is truwhip, a better-for-you whipped topping without hy-drog-e-nated oils or high fructose corn syrup. truwhip doesn’t have unnatural flavors, colors or preservatives. It comes in three gluten-free varieties–original, skinny and vegan. Since you’ll have company of all kinds at your holiday parties, truwhip’s vegan recipes can be enjoyed by guests who eat plant-based diets. Here we have this delicious Pumpkin Pie Parfait as well as a Hot Cocoa with a truwhip star. You can find truwhip in the freezer aisle of your local grocery store or use their store locator at truwhip.com.

DO YOU HAVE ANY GO-TO BEVERAGES FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

I love to Stellabrate the holidays with America’s favorite semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine Stella Rosa! These award-winning wines come in a variety of juicy flavors like the original Rosso with strawberry notes, Black which is bursting with dark berries, or Peach to pair perfectly with your desserts. And if you’re looking for some bubbly, Stella Rosa Prosecco is the perfect party starter! You can also add Stella Rosso Lux and Black Lux to your sparkling wine to give it a fruity twist. They come in these beautiful tins, perfect for holiday gifting and minis for fun stocking stuffers! You could even use them to make delicious cocktails. For fun recipes, like Candy Cane Lane, go to stellarosa.com.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER TIPS FOR SATISFYING YOUR HOLIDAY SWEET TOOTH AND WATCHING CALORIES?

You should know that 82% of Americans are looking to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet but doing so during the holidays can be extremely challenging. Thank goodness I discovered Lily’s Sweets!  Lily’s Sweets help you reduce your sugar intake without giving up something you love – delicious chocolate. For example, when you swap in Lily’s Chocolate Chips in your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, you’ll reduce the overall sugar in the recipe by the equivalent of 25 teaspoons of sugar, without sacrificing amazing taste. They make delicious, no-sugar added chocolate and confections your family and friends will obsess over. So, go for that everyday indulgence and enjoy the sweet life without the guilt this holiday season! For more information, visit: lilys.com

WHAT ELSE WILL BE ON PARKER’S PLATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Turkey is always on Parker’s Plate. I want to tell you about the fastest, easiest, safest way to fry turkey and more with The Big Easy Oil-Less—that’s right, Oil-Less–Turkey Fryer from Char-Broil.  Char-Broil makes “the Most Forgiving Grills on Earth” and they’ve incorporated the same Char-Broil TRU-Infrared cooking technology found in their amazing gas grills into The Big Easy. That’s how The Big Easy helps you make the perfect turkey every time with tender crispy skin. And because The Big Easy is an oil-less fryer, you don't have to worry about the extra calories and stress of clean up. Plus, The Big Easy lets you free up precious oven space by allowing you to cook that delicious main dish outdoors so you can be sure you’ll have a perfectly coordinated lunch or dinner. They have some great deals at Char-Broil. For more information, visit: charbroil.com