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Spur-of-the-moment get-togethers, formal dinner parties, football snacking: they all involve food, fun and fellowship. It’s as traditional and American as apple pie. But what do you serve? It’s easy to go to the store and buy bagged chips, pretzels, popcorn and soda, but why limit it to that? Why not try to include something a bit healthier than the traditional party food. You could serve a raw vegetable tray with a variety of dips and dressings, or you can choose a more interesting option: batter-dipped vegetables and fried green tomatoes recipes.

You want to choose firm vegetables that will hold up to being dipped in batter and deep-fried. Soft vegetables, such as ripe tomatoes, do not do well, but a firmer green tomato will do just fine. Try cutting up thick sticks of zucchini to batter fry for another all-time favorite.

Here are some excellent options for battered dipped vegetables:

• Zucchini
• Onions
• Artichokes
• Carrot slices
• Squash
• Green beans
• Red or green peppers
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets
• Eggplant
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes

To fry the vegetables, heat cooking oil in deep skillet or pan. Drop dipped vegetables into the hot oil and cook until brown on the bottom. Flip vegetables and cook for a few more seconds. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to cool.