Depending on where you are in the Mediterranean region, they're called tapas, mezes or antipasti. By any name, they are scrumptious, and at 100 calories each, you can enjoy two per day and still stay on your diet track.
* Steamed whole artichoke - Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil for dipping
* 2 dried figs - Use 1 teaspoon red wine for dipping
* 2 thin slices prosciutto, each wrapped around a piece of mango
* 5 large cooked shrimp - Use 2 tablespoons cocktail sauce for dipping
* 15 grape tomatoes and eight 3/4 -inch chunks part-skim mozzarella cheese
* 1 cup chilled gazpacho soup and 2 sesame breadsticks
* 25 pistachios
* 12 oil-roasted, salted and shelled whole almonds
* 7 kalamata or other Mediterranean olives
* Crostini - Thin slices of toasted bread crowned with a savory topping are a Mediterranean favorite. Rub garlic clove half over 1/2-inch slice toasted Italian bread; sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, then top with one of the following:
o 1 tablespoon hummus sprinkled with lemon juice
o 1 roasted red pepper sprinkled with capers
o 1 tablespoon goat cheese sprinkled with shredded carrot and freshly ground black pepper
o 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato sprinkled with chopped fresh basil or thyme
o 1/3 cup leftover cooked leafy vegetable (such as spinach) and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese)
o 1 thin slice part-skim mozzarella cheese (1/2 ounce) sprinkled with chopped fresh basil or thyme
o 2 tablespoons drained water-packed tuna sprinkled with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and capers
o 1 tomato slice, 1 sweet onion slice, 3 anchovy fillets
If you have any questions, I'd ask the store clerk to help you choose a ripe one.